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Fort Hays State University master plan and first digital master plan approved
Summary
The board approved Fort Hays State University's updated campus master plan and a first digital master plan, emphasizing deferred maintenance, repurposing existing space, pedestrian safety improvements and a phased approach to address facilities reaching end of life.
President Mason and Director Dana Cunningham presented Fort Hays State University's updated comprehensive master plan (2021–2024) and the campus's first digital master plan. The campus plan focuses on deferred maintenance, utilization of existing space rather than near‑term new construction, and prioritized improvements to aging facilities such as Cunningham Hall and Forsyth Library (the latter is undergoing renovation). Cunningham highlighted that classroom capacity generally aligns with needs and that the campus is at about 97% housing occupancy; the plan recommends targeted demolition and repurposing to address older housing stock.
Provost Jill Arnsdorf described the digital master plan's five recommendations—actionable data infrastructure, consistent course design (including migration to Blackboard Ultra), fostering student connections for online learners, faculty training and stronger communications—and noted early wins including the LMS transition and clear metrics for goal tracking. Arnsdorf also emphasized that rollout and change management are the most challenging elements.
Following discussion, a motion to approve the comprehensive master plan was moved, seconded and approved by the board. The plan allows Fort Hays to focus near‑term efforts on renovations and prioritized projects with phased implementation.
