By: Alana Peterson, Graphic Artist
After COVID-19 construction delays, UNCP recently completed its newest edition, James A. Thomas Hall. Located along Prospect Road in between Dial and Sampson Halls, Thomas Hall is the home of 14 classrooms, including non-business related classes.
“The building will be open to all, although we expect the majority of these students will be business majors,” said Susan Peters, the Interim Dean of the School of Business. Thomas Hall opened to students for the start of spring semester.
The new business building will offer services exclusively for Business students such as advising, tutoring and other student success services. There will be a trading room for students interested in financial trading, allowing students access to a more hands-on experience.
“Not only is this a beautiful building, but the classrooms have been designed in many configurations suitable for different methods of teaching. All classrooms have state-of-the-art-technology to enhance learning experience,” Peters said.
There are a number of features and resources offered in the newly built building for non-Business major affiliated students. Located throughout the building will be study rooms, a mixing area and more.
“I like how they have more study spaces available that are closer to the apartments. I don’t have to walk as far,” junior Kristen Price said.
A dining area will be located in the rear of the building with indoor and outside seating. Thomas Hall has a 300-seater auditorium, event space and conference rooms.
While UNCP continues to grow and create new opportunities for students and staff, the new School of Business building will help provide more classrooms and space for students and staff that will go beyond business major affiliated groups. UNCP’s donors helped contribute to the new building, including Jim and Sally Thomas.
The Thomas School of Business is named after the Thomas couple for donating $7 million, the largest gift in the history of UNCP. Jim and Sally Thomas are expected to be present at the official ribbon cutting ceremony in April.
“This wonderful gift from Jim and Sally Thomas and other donors will be a huge support to our students’ success,” Peters said.