Hiwassee College student worker, Abel Carrico, works to paint one of the 72 rooms of the Tom Black Residence Hall.

Facility staff, work-study students and volunteers at Hiwassee College in Madisonville, TN are busy preparing for what is expected to be the largest entering freshmen class in recent history.  Those preparations include significant renovations to Tom Black Residence Hall, which was constructed in 1963-1964.

Suites have been remodeled, painted and furnished.  Other improvements include energy efficient windows, new tile floors, upgrades to bathrooms and a new roof.

The enlarged kitchen, designed for student use, is being outfitted with a new stove, refrigerator and upgraded cabinets and counter tops.

A new air conditioning system is in the plan and a new table has been placed in the Community Room that also includes a ping-pong table, a pool table, a large screen TV and several vending machines.

Richard Woodard, Hiwassee College Facilities Director, said: “The plan to upgrade the living spaces included significant input from students.  Reaction has been very positive from those who have had an opportunity to view the improvements.”

Founded in 1849 and associated with the United Methodist Church, Hiwassee College is a liberal arts, residential institution of higher education, providing quality education for all students in an atmosphere that promotes intellectual pursuit, spiritual growth, and social and personal responsibility.