Students move into Lincoln University campus housing ahead of fall semester
ABC 17 News Team
By Alison Patton
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Lincoln University opened its doors Wednesday to invite new students on campus ahead of the fall semester.
Madison Nelson is a freshman who moved into the newly renovated Dawson Hall.
“I’m actually very excited for the semester,” Nelson said. “I feel like Lincoln will bring the inner me out, and I feel like I will have a ball. And also have the right studies that I need to accomplish my degree.”
Nelson, like many other first-year students, moved in about a week before the fall semester starts. That’s so freshmen can learn about the campus and university throughout new student orientation week before going to class Monday. New student orientation runs through Sunday, according to information on the school’s website.
According to the assistant dean of residence life Darryl Glenn, there are about 700 students living on campus for the fall semester across six residence halls.
Dawson Hall is the newest addition to campus, costing the university $23.2 million to renovate the previous building into a livable space. Officials in 2022 told ABC 17 News the construction would make the building compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act
“Everything from the studs to the walls to the decor and the furniture are brand spanking new for our students to come in,” Glenn said.
Before it was a dorm, it was the student resource center where student athletes would study, resident assistant and LU senior Jamahreon Smith said.
“It’s definitely different to see, you know. Even right now, if this was a couple years ago, you’ll be able to see up to the third floor,” Smith said, referencing the layout of the student resource center.
The new residence hall can now sleep about 360 students.
Dawson also has a student lounge, an esports lab and a small store where students can use meal swipes to buy food.