Albany State University (ASU) will hold two ground-breaking ceremonies on Wednesday, October 16. The ceremony for the Early Learning Center will take place at 10 AM behind the Jones Brothers HPER Complex on East Campus. The ceremony for the Residence Hall will take place at 11 AM across from Hall 6 on East Campus.

The Early Learning Center facility will provide safe and affordable childcare for the campus and 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 $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, maintain safety and accessibility for students, and prioritize the longevity and durability of the building. The proposed site location is on the East Campus near Residence Hall 6. 

The university aims to have construction completed by Fall 2025.