Students move into new dorm at Simmons College of Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- For the first time in a century, Simmons College of Kentucky welcomed 100 new freshmen who will live on campus for the upcoming school year.

Students at the Historically Black College and University have a new dorm building. Morrison Hall was built to serve students at neighboring Spalding University. Last year, Simmons purchased the building from Spalding for $6 million. The school has since invested $1 million in the dorm.

Simmons College hosted Freshman Move-In Day on Sunday.

"They are super excited to get acclimated to the building, they are walking around, they are seeing the newness, they can tell that it is freshly painted, they can tell the floors are freshly laid," said Courtney Standard, Simmons College Director of Student Services. "So the reaction we got from the students has been positive all the way around."

The north tower, which is fully renovated, can house up to 204 students. The south tower is currently closed for remodeling, and it will house up to 132 students.

Morrison Hall is two blocks from Simmons College. The school plans to hold an official dedication and naming ceremony in September.

"The acquisition of Morrison Hall is more than just another building on our campus, it is a testament to the progress and resilience of Simmons College," Dr. Kevin Cosby, president of Simmons College of Kentucky, said in a news release. "We are committed to creating a nurturing and empowering environment for our students, and this new student housing facility is a significant step towards that vision."

This is the latest chapter in the comeback story for Simmons. In the last 10 years, the former bible college and Louisville's only HBCU, regained its accreditation, added new degree programs and saw enrollment swell to 1,700 students from 30 different states.

Simmons College also expanded athletics, earlier this year winning the NCCAA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship.

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