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President Oldham outlines capital projects, budget outlook and campus improvements
Summary
President Philip Oldham briefed trustees on campus construction and renovation projects, the governor’s proposed budget and formula funding shortfalls, and listed upcoming projects including ACME building funding, residence halls and stadium work.
President Philip Oldham gave trustees an extended report on campus facilities, the state budget outlook and a multi‑year capital program.
Oldham said the university recently received a five‑year extension in the state sunset review process for board operations and that the governor’s proposed budget partially funds items Tech requested. The governor’s budget does not fully fund the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s recommended formula funding increases; Oldham described the proposal as "not the best budget picture… but certainly not the worst." He reported $25 million included for the Advanced Construction and Manufacturing Engineering (ACME) Building and approximately $2.5 million for capital maintenance.
Oldham reviewed completed and in‑progress capital projects, including Kittrell Hall renovations, Jeffers Learning Resource Center, Bruner Hall renovations, the Roden University Center addition, the Laboratory Science Commons and the student recreation and fitness center funded by student-approved fees. He noted prior property acquisitions and the complexity of assembling parcels for the recreation center. The Ashraf Islam Engineering Building was highlighted as a signature project.
Planned projects and timelines mentioned included the Acme Building and foundry (projected completion fall 2027), a new JJ Oakley residence/innovation hall (400 beds targeted for fall 2027), a new football West Side stadium completion target of fall 2026, and additional renovations to Johnson Hall, Prescott, Tall, Clement, Brown, Memorial Gym, Derryberry Hall and Pennebaker as funding allows. Oldham said the university has completed roughly $750 million of capital improvements over the last decade and will continue prioritizing projects to support student recruitment and success.
Trustees asked clarifying questions about timelines and project sequencing; Oldham and staff said additional planning slides and schedules will be provided to trustees and that the administration will continue updating the board as projects advance.
