Construction Begins on Valdosta State's Newest Academic Building

VALDOSTA -- Construction on Valdosta State University’s Psychology and Counseling Building is officially underway after a groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 24. Funded through the university’s strategic focus initiative, construction on the $5 million, 33,000-square-foot facility is scheduled to be completed summer 2011.

“Today marks a new beginning, as we break ground on Valdosta State’s newest academic building,” said President Patrick J. Schloss. “This project is the most visible result of work from the Planning and Budget Council, as they initiated a strategic focus process that is unique within the state of Georgia.”

Schloss praised the collaborative efforts of the university’s Planning and Budget Council for their diligent efforts in allocating financial resources for this building.

“The Planning and Budget Council reviewed several projects and determined that moving the Department of Psychology and Counseling to the main campus would be the most cost effective and beneficial to the university’s overall academic mission,” Schloss said.

In January of this year, the Board of Regents approved plans to demolish the north wing of Converse Hall and build a three-story building that will include classrooms, laboratories, clinical space, and administrative offices for the Department of Psychology and Counseling. Administrative offices for the Graduate School and Sponsored Programs and Research Administration will also relocate to the new building.

The Savannah firm Elkins Constructors, Inc., was selected as the general contractor and local firm Ellis, Ricket and Associates is providing architectural services.