Kingsville and area residents have the opportunity to find out about the immediate campus changes, and future campus development goals that will include new facilities.

The completed Master Plan for Texas A&M University Kingsville will be presented at 1:30 p m. May 6, in the Peacock Auditorium Room 100 of the Biology- Earth Sciences Building and the public is invited to attend.

The TAMUK vision continues to become a reality, as construction will begin this summer for a new dining hall by the University Village. Also, in the works will be a new residence hall for Honors College students, along with the offices of the new Honors College with construction also beginning this summer.

A shaded mall area for students to congregate is being planned with the location across the TAMUK president’s house and Gross Hall.

The project managementconsulting firm Broaddus & Associates will present the Master Plan. The firm has been working with TAMUK the last year mapping out a long-term plan for the look and organization of the campus that encompasses its buildings, parking, student living space and more.

The Master Plan sets out goals for campus development that go from the immediate future to some 50 years, according to TAMUK President, Dr. Steven Tallant.

“Its focus is to help further the academic success of our students by maintaining an environment that enhances their ability to learn, while keeping aesthetics pleasing and practical for both the campus and the community of Kingsville. We intend to serve as a key component in guiding our vision for Texas A&M University,” Tallant said.

The Master Plan allows for adjustment. He stated he was pleased with the work that Broaddus and Associates had done in making a plan that took input from university administrators, city officials and the campus community.

“I look forward to sharing their work at the public meeting May 6,” he said. “Any plan with a scope this broad, looking into play in the future will probably change a bit as it is implemented.”

He stated there will always be factors that come into play in the future that no one would have been able to anticipate and a Master Plan, like this one, gives room to move and allow for those adjustments.

With over $80 million in renovations and construction TAMUK continues to show progress on the campus. The new Student Recreation Building that encompasses two multi purpose gyms opened its doors April 6 of this year. The 36,000 square foot facility costs $12 million dollar and boasts top of the line equipment.

A new residence hall accommodates students’ living needs with spacious bedroom suites and modern facilities. The facility is the first one built in 40 years at the cost of $28.6 million.

The TAMUK campus encompasses 250 acres with more than 80 buildings. The University Farm has 545 acres located near the campus, according to the TAMUK website.

The higher institution of learning opened its doors in 1926 focusing on teacher education. The student population is about 6,200 students mostly from South Texas. The student faculty ratio is 16 to 1.