Catawba College will celebrate a major milestone in its campus evolution with a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, April 29, marking the beginning of the most ambitious capital improvements initiative in the institution’s history. The event will begin at 2:00 p.m. outside Ketner Hall and continue in the Tom Smith Auditorium for formal remarks.
With the $90 million capital investment, Catawba is launching a bold slate of new construction and renovations that will enhance the student experience and significantly advance the College’s leadership in sustainability. Projects include the construction of a state-of-the-art new residence hall and dynamic student-life hub, significant renovations to Stanback and Salisbury-Rowan residence halls and Newman Park, and the launch of a campus-wide geothermal energy system. Together, these projects reflect Catawba’s commitment to a living-learning environment where innovation, well-being, and environmental responsibility intersect.
“These projects represent far more than new buildings and modern systems—they embody the kind of learning community we are becoming,” said Dr. David P. Nelson, President of Catawba College. “We are building spaces that reflect our deepest values: a commitment to sustainability, to student success, and a future defined by purpose and possibility. This is a historic step forward for our campus, our students, and the region we serve.”
The capital improvements are designed to meet rigorous environmental standards and support student-centered design. Project highlights include:
• New Residence Hall: A 130-bed facility featuring communal gathering spaces and Collegiate Gothic design to match the campus's architectural heritage. Designed to meet Passive House standards.
Completion: Fall 2026
• The Smokestack: A reimagined student hub and the region’s first Living Building. Once a coal-burning plant, the space will feature a rooftop deck, modern learning technologies, and locally sourced food options.
Completion: Fall 2026
• Newman Park – Phase 2: Enhancements to this iconic venue will increase seating, modernize amenities, and upgrade athletic facilities.
Completion: Winter 2026
• Stanback Hall: Renovations will preserve the historic structure while adding new wings, upgrading interiors, and incorporating sustainability features such as WELL Certification and reused solar panels.
Completion: Fall 2026
• Salisbury-Rowan Hall: One of Catawba’s oldest residence halls will be modernized with a completely new interior and improved accessibility. Targeting Fitwel Certification.
Completion: Fall 2027
• District Energy & Modernization: A four-phase geothermal project connecting 26 buildings, reducing campus-wide emissions by an estimated 23,000 metric tons of CO₂e over 25 years.
Completion (phases 1 & 2): Spring 2026 | Full completion: 2029
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All projects, with the exception of Newman Park, are fully funded through private philanthropy, allowing the College to realize these bold improvements without increasing student costs. Funding for the second phase of Newman Park will be pursued through a capital campaign launching this fall.
“This investment marks a momentous time in Catawba’s rich history, and I’m delighted that students and alumni have been integral to the planning of these spaces that will ignite curiosity and foster a culture of innovation,” said Barbara L. Marshall, Chair of the Catawba College Board of Trustees and a 1972 graduate. “These projects represent our commitment to being a forward-thinking college while honoring our legacy and being faithful stewards of this dynamic institution.”
Marshall added, “I look forward to gathering with the campus community to usher the College into the future.”
The groundbreaking ceremony is open to the public and will include remarks from President David P. Nelson; Board Chair Barbara L. Marshall; Dr. Lee Ball, Vice President of Sustainability and Executive Director of the Center for the Environment; Katelyn Cothern, President of the Student Government Association; and representatives from the project partners, including Balfour Beatty US, LandDesign, Page, Edifice Engineering, Little, CMTA, and Brailsford & Dunlavey.
Learn more about Catawba's major capital projects on our website.
