Student center near ready; opening date not yet set

Exterior work continues Wednesday, Jan. 31, at Claflin's new student center. (Panther photo by Ty Williams)

Near the end of 2023, excitement grew as the student center completion date was expected to be Nov. 30. 

However, the new center at Magnolia and Goff is now projected to open in 2024. The completion date is to be determined. 

“There is no set date for the grand opening yet,” said Dr. Cletra Peters, Claflin vice president and chief of staff. “The building is complete; weather (rain) has affected the grounds/landscaping from being complete. 

“Once we have a completion date for grounds, we will set a grand opening date,” Peters said. 

The student center will include a one-screen movie theater that will open Tuesday through Sundaye It will have 180 seats, including wheelchair-accessible seating. It is to serve the community as well as students, showing first-run movies. 

Alongside the multipurpose theater, the center will also include: 

• A ballroom 
• Papa John's pizza 
• Starbucks 
• Qdoba restaurant 
• Convenience store 

For students interested in finding work, the student center will provide opportunities for jobs close to campus. 

Dean of Students Dr. Arthur Doctor and Vice President for Student Development and Services Dr. Leroy Durant are to oversee the student hiring process. Positions will include: 

• Movie theater 
• Information desk 
• Tech set-up 

Student center financing is through fundraising and a 2% U.S. Department of Agriculture loan of $18.4 million for 40 years, Claflin President Dwaun Warmack has said. The facility will cost more than the originally projected $40 million, largely because of rising costs in construction.