Campus Improvements in the Works

As the fall 2020 semester comes to an end, Bluefield College administrators are looking toward the future. Whether it be improvements to sports facilities, technology, the dining hall, or classrooms, BC leaders are looking for ways to make the learning experience better.

In the area of technology, according to Chip Lambert, BC’s chief Information officer, the college hopes to improve the wireless network next year.

“We noticed a density issue this semester, so we are looking for six devices per person as an approximate and work from there,” Lambert said. “We will improve the firewall this year, and we are going to add new virus protection. The one we are using now is ESET, but we are looking for replacing it for another one for the upcoming semester.”

Lambert said the college will also be upgrading technology in a number of classrooms on campus, including new Smart Boards in Science 121 and Science 214.

“We are also looking at doing the same thing we did with Science 109 and the library that have brand new desktops this year,” Lambert said. “We bought 30 new computers that came out this semester and are already being used by the students.”

Improvements were just recently initiated in the dining hall. Students say the variety of food options has vastly improved.

“I think the cafeteria has improved this year,” said student Laura Kimzey. “I really like the different options they provide with the grill, salad, and traditional food lines. I have also very much appreciated the ability to see the menu with calorie counts online beforehand and even order food specifically during my time in quarantine. Thank you to the cafeteria workers and managers.”

Tonia Walker, vice president for intercollegiate athletics, said improvements are also in the works for athletics. The Dome and the Sims Center are the central priority at the moment.

“For the Dome, we plan to upgrade locker rooms, flooring maintenance, open some office space for coaches, and improve the cleanliness and sanitation for COVID,” Walker said. “For the Herbs Sims Center, it is expected to be a longer project. We also plan to open some office space, an ideal space for football, locker room upgrades, and make a meeting space for teams.”

Walker said Athletics also recently created workout space for wrestling in the Sims Center. She added that other improvements are being planned for the future.

“We want to create a softball facility,” Walker said. “This is going to be a fundraising project. We have a Master Facilities Plan, which meets all facilities needs on campus, not just athletics.”