Friday, August 14, 1998

Today@Sam: Regents Approve Degrees, Study Abroad

Sam Houston State University's board of regents has approved four new degrees, new study abroad programs in Italy and France, construction and renovation projects totaling $7.8 million, and the purchase of $600,000 in computers.

The board on Thursday also approved preliminary plans for construction of a building to house the $5.6 million Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas. Molina Walker Architects, Inc. of Houston was authorized to prepare final plans and to take bids for the award of a construction contract in February, 1999.

Also approved were plans for a $2.2 million renovation of the university's White Hall dormitory, prepared by Shah, Smith & Associates, Inc., of Houston. The architects were also authorized to prepare final plans and to take bids for award of a construction contract in February. In addition to infrastructure repairs such as plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, living areas will be arranged into suites composed of two adjoining rooms.

Authorization was also given to demolish the Hathorne House, a small dorm which according to the university's consulting experts has serious structural problems.

No action was taken on renovation of the Administration Building, which is undergoing internal demolition authorized earlier by the board to determine its structural condition.