RICHMOND, Ky. — Eastern Kentucky University is enhancing its student experience with classes set to start Monday, Aug. 19. 

The university is celebrating the reopening of a residence hall and a new pedway connecting both ends of campus.

Keene Hall will soon be filled with nearly 600 students for the fall semester. It has been closed since 2019 for remodeling and renovations. The building was built in the 1960s.

Students will soon walk through the doors of their new home.

It used to be his home, and now, Daniel Lopez is the residence hall coordinator of EKU's Keene Hall. This semester is the first time it will house students in five years.

“Every room in this building was renovated, and all of them have the same furniture, the same changes to the rooms," Lopez said.

It’s a modernized living experience from when Lopez lived in the dorm in 2017 as a first-generation college student.

“Seeing the renovations and the changes that they’ve made now has been really exciting for me to see, and I’m really excited for the incoming students," Lopez said.

EKU faculty, alumni and other regional leaders opened the building Aug. 7 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. President David McFaddin lived at Keene Hall as a student 30 years ago.

“The amenities for today’s college student (are) far different than the amenities for students 30 years ago and probably beyond that," McFaddin said. "It’s exciting to see that they can make it home." 

Keene Hall reached capacity in record time when registration opened. This fall, 582 Colonels will call it home.

“I just think it’s going to bring a vibrancy and excitement to campus," McFaddin said.

The university also opened a new pedway crossing over Eastern Bypass, creating a safe connection between the south end of campus to the north end.

“Campus on this side of the bypass is now far more connected than it ever has been and probably ever will be again," said William Lampert, student body president.

Students begin moving in Wednesday, Aug. 14.