Student Success Main Focus of Wyllie Hall Renovation

Students grateful for “welcoming and well lit” new spaces  
 

After reopening amid much fanfare on Sept. 15, Wyllie Hall is well-positioned to play a greater role in supporting student success at UW-Parkside.    

Wyllie Hall, which originally opened in 1972 and is now home to the Callahan Family Student Success & Learning Commons, the Brookwood Foundation Main Place, and the award-winning Library, had been under construction since 2020 as part of a $35.4 million state-funded initiative.   

The Wyllie Hall Renewal Project focused on replacing the mechanical system and updating infrastructure and key learning spaces with the goal of improving student outcomes. This included upgraded offices for student services and student support areas and improvements to the Callahan Family Student Success & Learning Commons and the Brookwood Foundation Main Place.  

To celebrate the reopening, remarks and dedication speeches were given during the Grand Re-opening celebration on Sept. 15. The dedication was followed by a reception and open house at which time attendees were encouraged to celebrate and tour the new Wyllie Hall. Those who went on a tour with a faculty member or explored the reopening on their own, were greeted with photos used to paint the picture of how impressive the renovations are.   

Scott Menke, vice chancellor of Finance and Administration, shared at the reopening ceremony, that prior to the renovations, “student service support areas needed improvement and the building had inadequate technology and collaborative spaces needed to support student learning.” 

While many in the UW-Parkside campus community are excited about the work that has been done, it is evident that the primary focus of the project has been the students. The main aspiration is that the renovations will promote student success and provide a more welcoming space in the library for students to work. So far, the project has received positive feedback from students.  

Director of Facilities, John Bruch, asked Ann Stadick, UW-Parkside Library Director, to conduct a survey to gather student feedback on the new spaces. The responses according to Stadick, came back “positive and grateful.” Additionally, students said they especially liked the new lighting in the library, as it is providing them with a more inviting and productive workspace.   

 Regiah Cosey, a current Parkside student and recipient of the Heide Scholarship, had great things to say about the new Wyllie Hall. She said she “likes places that are well lit for studying and are very spacious,” which are two reasons why she enjoys the new library so much for studying.   

Recent Parkside Graduate, Steven Crane, expressed similar sentiments. “My favorite part of the reopening is the library because I like how open it is and there’s a lot of quiet spots to do homework.”  

The Wyllie Hall project is an example of UW-Parkside's longstanding commitment to student success. How the renovations will impact students on campus was top of mind for those making decisions on the Wyllie Hall Renewal Project, and the inspiration behind everything from the lighting to the work spaces.  

Wyllie Hall has officially reopened, so grab a cup of Coffee from Book & Brew, and enjoy the new Wyllie!