KENNESAW, Ga. | Aug 6, 2021

More than 56 years after first opening its doors to students, Kennesaw State University’s newly renovated Howell Hall was unveiled this week in an open house event. The 288-bed residence hall, located on the Marietta Campus, reopens this fall to first-year students.

The renovation reflects a complete overhaul of amenities for on-campus living. In addition to significant gains in energy efficiency, students now have access to modernized living quarters, state-of-the-art lounges and study spaces on each floor and an updated kitchenette. With more than 170 SALTO electronic locks, Howell Hall also becomes KSU’s first 100 percent electronic access building.

“Beyond meeting the needs of our growing student population, the new-look Howell Hall aligns with KSU’s mission of generating ways students can build a sense of community on campus and support their peers,” KSU Interim President Kathy Schwaig said. “From group study spaces to enhanced safety features, it reflects our dedication to creating not only a home, but also a first-class learning and living environment for students.”

Originally built in 1965, Howell Hall holds the distinction of being the first residence hall on KSU’s Kennesaw and Marietta campuses. Besides housing generations of students, it also housed athletes competing in the 1996 Summer Olympic games. With interior renovations complete, exterior renovations will commence and are expected to be completed in summer 2022.

In addition to the reopening of Howell Hall, in January, the University broke ground on a 508-bed, 109,388-square-foot building on the Kennesaw Campus. Scheduled to open for the Fall 2022 semester, the new residence hall will be built on the south end of campus adjacent to the existing Austin Residence Complex.

– Travis Highfield

Photos by David Caselli

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.