The University of Southern Mississippi announced a new building designated for the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, and Security. This new facility will be based on the site of the Human Performance and Recreation building, formerly known as the School of Kinesiology and Nutrition, near the Trent Lott National Center.
Since the mid-1970s, the department has been based out of the aged and undersized Arthell Kelley Hall. Some of the faculty do not even have space for their own offices, and conferences among staff are usually shared in the mock courtroom. Now with the new building, students and faculty will be able to work accordingly in this sizable space.
$16.6 million will go into the project, with $570,000 stemming from university funds. With this money, the building will be renovated for the first time since 1988. However, students and faculty are mostly excited about the 5,000-square-foot annex that will be constructed beside the building. This will house a new and updated mock courtroom. The forensic science department will also receive new lab spaces. Outside of the building, a courtyard will be constructed for students to collaborate, relax, and study in.
Despite only being constructed as a designated space for the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, and Security, many officials are excited for the future attention this will bring to USM.
“It’s definitely going to improve the Criminal Justice program here on campus,” said Brian Hauff, the Associate Vice President for Facilities at USM. “The benefits are not just for the criminal justice students right now, but it’s really going to be a great tool for faculty and staff for future prospective students.”
One of the many goals for this new building is to bring attention to the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security.
“I think it’s really going to help our enrollment, and that’s something [President Joe Paul] wants to do,” Hauff added.
With enrollment rising, many of those that are involved in the school look forward to the new addition and see it as only a plus for the school.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Brenda Rowe, Director of the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security. “There’s been talk for many years about us having a new building, and we can’t wait to get into our new home.”
As of 2023, the school houses 500 students, with a rising amount. Due to the tight space, many of these students do not have much room to work or study in the building. And with some professors not even able to have offices in the building, many students must seek help from outside of Arthell Kelley Hall. However, the new plans for the site seek to change that.
“We’re gonna have twice as much square footage as we have in Arthell Kelley Hall currently,” Rowe said.
Not only are faculty and staff excited about this change, but many students within the school have expressed their excitement with the new addition to campus. Having been in such a small and dated space for so long, many students will be excited to see the school grow and spread the knowledge of their existence on campus.
“I think it’ll actually promote the department and give a bigger image to it, since we’re in such a tiny building over here,” said Hunter Balius, a junior forensic anthropology major from Ocean Springs. “It’s really nice to have that highlighted on the campus, and I’m really excited about it.”
Construction has started on the building and is expected to be completed in June 2025. Plans for what will become of Arthell Kelley Hall will be determined at a later date. Until then, you can visit the building to learn more about what the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security has to offer.