Albany State University (ASU) held ground-breaking ceremonies on Wednesday, October 16 for two new buildings on campus. The university is excited to announce the construction of the Dr. Portia Holmes-Shields Early Learning Center and separately, a 64 Bed Residence Hall to be built on the East Campus. 

“I am excited and grateful to have the opportunity to preside over these two important projects. The Early Childhood Learning Center is an opportunity for us to integrate 21^st-century capabilities, skills, and competencies into how we teach, and more importantly, how we learn. When we talk about the experience of student-learners today, we know the real magic happens in the living experience. Our student’s living environment dictates a lot of how they see the world. We intend for this residence facility to continue to change the trajectory of how they see the world, and how they see their experience at ASU contributing to that world,” said Dr. Lawrence Drake, Interim President.  

The Dr. Portia Holmes-Shields Early Learning Center facility will provide safe and affordable childcare for the campus and the Albany community. This will also have a significant impact on academics. Education majors will complete student-teaching activities in the on-campus environment, physical therapist assistant and occupational therapy assistant students will interact with the pediatric population in a real-world environment, and health and human performance students will provide education in coronavirus prevention related to co-morbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The center will be named in honor of the 7^th and first female ASU President, Dr. Portia Holmes-Shields. The site location is on the East Campus near the Jones Brothers Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) Complex. 

“We are embarking on a project that has the potential to transform lives and shape the future of our community. The purpose of this center extends far beyond traditional childcare. It serves as a high-impact experiential learning center and laboratory not only supporting our university students, faculty and staff who are parents, but also families from the broader Albany/Dougherty community. The facility will provide safe, affordable childcare while simultaneously advancing our academic mission in remarkable ways,” said Dr. Jason Armstrong, Interim Associate Provost. 

The Dougherty County Board of Commissioners presented a proclamation commemorating the groundbreaking of the center. 

The $8.8 million, 30,682 gross square feet student residential facility with 64 beds will house junior and senior students in the honors program. The facility aims to foster school spirit, increase retention, progression, and graduation rates, and maintain safety and accessibility for students while prioritizing the longevity and durability of the building. The site location is on the East Campus near Residence Hall 6.  

“This new facility will not only provide a vibrant living space for our outstanding scholars, but it will also foster a collaborative environment where intellectual curiosity and innovation can flourish. By investing in the next generation of leaders, we are reinforcing our dedication to creating a community that champions educational achievement and personal growth,” said Dr. Terry Lindsay, Vice President for Student Affairs.  

The university aims to have construction completed by Fall 2025.