American Campus Communities recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new 466-bed housing facility on the Prairie View A&M University campus called “University Square”. Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System John Sharp, Interim President Ruth J. Simmons and CEO and Founder of American Campus Communities Bill Bayless all provided remarks during the ceremony. This year also marked THE 20th year of partnership for PVAMU and ACC.
“The Square” provides housing for junior, senior and graduate students is located on the PVAMU campus and has two and four bedroom layouts that provide private bedrooms and bathrooms. LaTayshia Reggans is the resident director of the newly opened property. “The most exciting part was the enthusiasm in everyone’s face seeing the new property,” said Reggans, “The way that everything felt and the atmosphere was the best part.”
Opened prior to the 2017-2018 academic school year, University Square has fully furnished townhomes and apartments with leather-style furniture. Each unit includes stackable washer and dryer units, WiFi connections and USB outlets. Tori Stelly is a junior Psychology major from Cade, Louisiana who lives in University Square. “I love it, it’s like home,” said Stelly, “I love having my own washer and dryer and the full-size kitchen is nice.” She said it is convenient because of the amenities like the Academic Success Center, which houses iMac computers and provides students with complimentary printing. University Square is committed to helping students make the grade. Residents have access to both group and private study lounges.
To create a sense of community, residents can utilize the outdoor kitchen with professional BBQ grills, watch a movie in the courtyard on the movie wall or lounge in the chairs on the courtyard sundeck. The Square also has a state-of-the-art fitness center with cardio and strength training equipment along with a recreation center with billiards, foosball and Ping-Pong tables. Each week, education, social and recreational activities are hosted by the staff to create a place of community. “We have certain programs that we host through the entire year that touch the student body and have a hands-on approach,” said Reggans. Students can pop in for free popcorn or fresh fruit depending on which program is happening. University Square provides students with everything they need to succeed just steps away from class.