UAPB STUDENT ENGAGEMENT CENTER
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | Pine Bluff, Arkansas
PROJECT TYPE
Student Services
SIZE
57,566 SF
CONSTRUCTION TYPE
New Construction & Renovation
COMPLETION DATE
PROJECT TEAM
2026
Theater Consultant - Theatre Consultants Collaborative
Civil/Landscape - Crafton Tull
Structural - ECI
MEP - Pettit & Pettit
A Dynamic Anchor for Student Life, Wellness, and the Arts
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Student Engagement Center is a landmark project designed to redefine the student experience and campus connectivity. Positioned as the future northern terminus of the university’s Phase II pedestrian mall development, the center will serve as a premier destination hub, drawing the campus community toward a modern environment for health, culture, and professional development.
A Multi-Functional Stage for the Arts A cornerstone of the facility is the state-of-the-art multi-use auditorium. While primary design considerations support the university’s Music and Theater programs, the space features a highly flexible layout that allows it to transition seamlessly for lectures, assemblies, and large-scale university events. This adaptability ensures that the arts remain central to the campus experience while providing a versatile venue for diverse programming.
Designing for Student Success The building is intentionally programmed to encourage students to engage with their professional future. By co-locating Student Success, Career Services, and Graduate and International Studies within this high-traffic environment, the design lowers barriers to vital resources. This strategic integration ensures that academic support and career development are woven into the daily fabric of student life alongside a student lounge and a campus coffee shop.
A Holistic Wellness and Social Experience The center combines professional services with a comprehensive wellness and recreation experience. To support the "whole student," the facility integrates:
- Health and Counseling: Dedicated spaces for student health services and counseling, providing an accessible and supportive environment for physical and mental well-being.
- Fitness and Recreation: A modern fitness center paired with gaming areas and a four-lane bowling alley.
- Social Connectivity: Open seating and study areas designed to foster community building and informal interaction.
Built for Flexibility The project balances the university’s historic legacy with a vision for the future, working in coordination with the existing L.A. Davis, Sr. Student Union. Through high-efficiency systems and an adaptable interior layout, the Student Engagement Center is engineered to grow alongside the needs of the UAPB community, serving as a resilient and flexible asset for generations to come.






















