Bowling Green, KY, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Western Kentucky University has inaugurated the Amy and David Chandler Hall, a state-of-the-art facility aimed at enhancing business education. The new hall features collaborative spaces, advanced technology, and unique amenities such as the Topper Grind coffee shop. Designed with community input, it also includes the Suited for Success Closet, allowing students to borrow professional attire for job interviews. With a total construction cost around $100 million, Chandler Hall stands to significantly improve student engagement and retention in the Gordon Ford College of Business.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – Western Kentucky University (WKU) has officially opened the newly constructed Amy and David Chandler Hall, a modern facility designed to enhance business education and foster collaboration among students and faculty within the Gordon Ford College of Business. This significant addition to the WKU campus reflects the institution’s commitment to providing cutting-edge resources and support for its students.
Chandler Hall includes a variety of features aimed at enriching the educational experience, such as new classrooms, ample study spaces, and collaborative resources. The design prioritizes interaction and engagement, supporting the learning needs of the student body as articulated by faculty members like Associate Professor of Economics Stephen Locke.
Input from the WKU community was instrumental in the design process, with faculty, staff, and students contributing to the building’s conceptual framework. A standout feature of the building is the beer Topper Grind coffee shop, which was named and branded through a college-wide competition, making it a unique addition that resonates with the student body. Senior economics major Karlee Powell expressed enthusiasm for the coffee shop, noting a friend’s significant role in its creation.
Chandler Hall also aims to alleviate financial burdens for students through its Suited for Success Closet, a service allowing students to borrow professional attire at no cost, which is particularly beneficial for job interviews and internships. Dean of the Gordon Ford College, Evelyn Thrasher, has observed an advantageous impact on student presence and engagement since the building’s opening.
The construction of Chandler Hall commenced in June 2023 after the Kentucky General Assembly allocated $74.4 million in funding for the project. The overall cost amounts to approximately $100 million, with a substantial contribution of $7.5 million from donors Amy and David Chandler, honoring their commitment to advancing education at WKU.
The architectural design of Chandler Hall emphasizes openness and natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere for learning. The building houses a Student Success Center that consolidates various student resources, including academic advising and peer tutoring. Furthermore, the facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, featuring Bloomberg terminals to provide real-time market analytics and classrooms fitted with Zoom technology to facilitate virtual learning.
Founded with the intention of improving student retention, WKU envisions Chandler Hall as a pivotal resource for student learning, simulating real-world environments and allowing access to guest speakers from diverse industries. A new terrace on the top floor offers a scenic study area overlooking the South Lawn, set to be furnished soon.
The official dedication ceremony for Amy and David Chandler Hall is scheduled for September 19 at 10 a.m. Moving forward, WKU anticipates utilizing donations to sustain and upgrade the facility when necessary. Notably, the university marked its most successful fiscal year for donations in history, raising over $44 million in fiscal year 2025, further solidifying its commitment to enhancing the educational landscape.
Key Features of Chandler Hall
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Collaborative Spaces | Designed for interaction among students and faculty. |
| Topper Grind Coffee Shop | Student-named coffee shop promoting campus community. |
| Suited for Success Closet | Professional attire lending service at no cost. |
| Advanced Technology | Includes Bloomberg terminals and Zoom-equipped classrooms. |
| Student Success Center | Consolidates academic resources and support for students. |
| Top-floor Terrace | Scenic study space overlooking South Lawn. |
FAQ
What is the purpose of Amy and David Chandler Hall?
The hall is designed to support students in the Gordon Ford College of Business with collaborative spaces, advanced technology, and resources to enhance their educational experience.
When was the Chandler Hall officially opened?
Chandler Hall was opened in September 2023, with a dedication ceremony planned for September 19, 2023.
How much did the construction of Chandler Hall cost?
The total construction cost for Chandler Hall is approximately $100 million.
What technology resources are available at Chandler Hall?
Chandler Hall features advanced technology including Bloomberg terminals for market analytics and classrooms equipped with Zoom for virtual learning.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Three WKU Baseball Stars Enter NCAA Transfer Portal
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: Look Inside Newest WKU Building
- Wikipedia: Western Kentucky University
- WNKY: Chandler Hall Now Open
- Google Search: Chandler Hall WKU
- WKU Herald: Chandler Hall Opens
- Encyclopedia Britannica: David Chandler
- Spectrum News: WKU Students New Hall
- Google News: WKU Chandler Hall
- BG Daily News: Chandler’s Commit to WKU
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