Recreation and Fitness Center

In January 2017, the Jacksonville State University Board of Trustees approved a development plan to design and build a 103,000 sq. ft. recreation center with an aggressive timeline. By utilizing an integrated Construction Manager at Risk project delivery method, the project opened within 24 months and came in under budget.

Construction of JSU’s Recreation and Fitness Center was in direct response to JSU’s mission to enhance the quality of campus life and to increase student retention and enrollment which had been holding steady. Specifically, the facility was to activate campus social life, create a home for commuter students as well as engage students in on-campus fitness and wellness programming which is not as prevalent in the southern rural campus.

The facility opened January 2019 and enrollment increased the next Fall Semester by 6%.  First time freshman enrollment in Fall 2019 is the highest to date. Since opening, quarterly visits to the rec center have essentially doubled and monthly visits increased dramatically.  Most importantly, a majority of the student population now engages in fitness and wellness activities as part of their daily routine; which leads to long term healthy habits.