Razorback Athletics Funds 18 Million Worth of New Classrooms
By: Cassidy Hodges
Updated: September 7, 2012
The University of Arkansas Athletics program is financing a brand new academic building, with the surplus of sports funds.
"The growth of the university in the last few years has been astronomical," says John Diamond, the Associate Vice Chancellor at the University of Arkansas.
Climbing along with it, the number of overcrowded classrooms.
"We are doing everything we can to make sure we have the quality and quantity of facilities needed to serve both our undergraduate and graduate students," says Diamond.
And that dedication means getting a little creative with cash for construction.
"The plans are to have a sizable combination classroom and laboratory facility built on campus," says Diamond.
Bankrolled by the athletics department, a business booming without a cent from the school.
It's one of only 22 programs in the nation that can make it on their own, let alone fund other departments.
"We're so well managed financially and administratively by Jeff Long that they're able to make this investment in the entire student body," says Diamond.
Something everyone on campus is thankful for.
"I think it shows the university that athletics not only cares about their own athletes but that they care about the university as a whole and that they're wanting to get involved," says Freshman Graham Higgins.
"I think it's great that the athletic department is rooting for and is proud of the academics that we have here," says student Amy Moorehead.
A pride that provides a common goal for both the athletics and academics departments: success.
"We think we can continue to maintain the highest standard of academic quality in the state and still grow the university with investments in facilities like this," says Diamond.
"The growth of the university in the last few years has been astronomical," says John Diamond, the Associate Vice Chancellor at the University of Arkansas.
Climbing along with it, the number of overcrowded classrooms.
"We are doing everything we can to make sure we have the quality and quantity of facilities needed to serve both our undergraduate and graduate students," says Diamond.
And that dedication means getting a little creative with cash for construction.
"The plans are to have a sizable combination classroom and laboratory facility built on campus," says Diamond.
Bankrolled by the athletics department, a business booming without a cent from the school.
It's one of only 22 programs in the nation that can make it on their own, let alone fund other departments.
"We're so well managed financially and administratively by Jeff Long that they're able to make this investment in the entire student body," says Diamond.
Something everyone on campus is thankful for.
"I think it shows the university that athletics not only cares about their own athletes but that they care about the university as a whole and that they're wanting to get involved," says Freshman Graham Higgins.
"I think it's great that the athletic department is rooting for and is proud of the academics that we have here," says student Amy Moorehead.
A pride that provides a common goal for both the athletics and academics departments: success.
"We think we can continue to maintain the highest standard of academic quality in the state and still grow the university with investments in facilities like this," says Diamond.
