Groundbreaking ceremonies for Lipscomb University's New Academic Building took place Thursday
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Groundbreaking ceremonies for Lipscomb University's Ezell Center for Biblical Studies took place Thursday, March 3 at 10 a.m. near Allen Bell Tower on the campus, located at 3901 Granny White Pike, Nashville.
Last month, the Lipscomb University Board of Trustees approved construction of the $11.3 million academic building. Construction of the 77,000 square-foot facility is expected to be completed by August 2006, said Dr. Steve Flatt, Lipscomb University president.
Flatt said the building will be named for the extended family of Mr. and Mrs. Miles Ezell Sr. in recognition of their support of Lipscomb through the years. Members of the Ezell family, along with Lipscomb University officials, participated in the groundbreaking ceremonies.
"The building will be named the Ezell Center for Biblical Studies reflecting our gratitude to the Ezell family for its generous support of this project and to Lipscomb University through the decades. When details of our master plan were unveiled in 1999, both Miles Ezell, Jr., and his brother, Bill Ezell, were on our board. They immediately caught the vision and the need for such a facility. They, along with other significant donors, helped to make this building possible. While more than just the College of Bible and Ministry will be located in the building, those studies will be the centerpiece of this new facility," said Flatt.
The Ezell Center for Biblical Studies will contain 24 classrooms as well as academic offices and conference rooms. The building will house the College of Bible and Ministry, the McCaleb Mission Center and the departments of education, sociology and social work, communication and history, politics and philosophy. Other features include the Doris Swang Chapel, the Paul Rogers Board Room, Sanders Baxter Hall and the Bill and Dot Mullican Television Studio. Several administrative offices will also be located in the building.