JONESBORO — Arkansas State University celebrated the official opening of the $25 million Windgate Hall of Art and Innovation, a cutting-edge facility designed to unite students and faculty across multiple disciplines for collaborative projects and hands-on learning.
The 44,000-square-foot building, funded by a $25 million gift from the Windgate Foundation, features flexible studio spaces, advanced technology, and outdoor areas that promote creativity. The foundation, the university's largest benefactor, has donated more than $40 million to A-State, including $20 million for the hall’s construction and $5 million for maintenance.
"From its inception, Windgate Hall was envisioned as a space where seemingly different disciplines could converge to produce something new," said Katherine Baker, chair of the Art + Design Department. “This creativity is as essential in engineering and computer science as it is in art and design.”
Students will begin using the new space this fall, with interdisciplinary courses and small-scale class projects kicking off in the first semester. The facility also includes a light-filled project studio equipped with VR technology and 3D printers, providing an environment for design work from concept to prototype. Dr. YeonSang Hwang, interim dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, emphasized the importance of the space in showcasing the design process to prospective students and encouraging innovation across fields.
A gallery located near the entrance will feature rotating student exhibitions alongside work from visiting artists, adding a regional element to the hall’s offerings. The new building also extends into outdoor creative spaces, including a terrace overlooking campus and flower beds designed to produce natural dyes for artistic projects, according to Rachel Baillot, assistant professor of photography.
Dr. Calvin White Jr., interim chancellor, highlighted the hall’s role in preparing students for careers in evolving industries. “Windgate Hall reinforces our commitment to creating learning environments that help students thrive in an interconnected world,” he said. The integration of art, design, engineering, and computer science marks a step forward in the university’s approach to research and innovation.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 11, at 2 p.m., coinciding with the Art + Design Alumni Reunion weekend. Alumni will have opportunities to tour the new facility, attend workshops, and participate in discussions before the Red Wolves’ first home football game of the season. All reunion events, though free, request prior registration.
The facility links closely with the Windgate Center for Three-Dimensional Arts, opened in 2021 just steps away. Together, the two buildings provide resources for woodworking, ceramics, and other disciplines. Julia Wintner, director of the Bradbury Art Museum, praised the new hall’s potential for expanded programming and community engagement. Caitlan Smith, an instructor of art history, expressed excitement about continuing events like the Halloween Art Bash and Delta Print Symposium, which bring art and design to wider regional audiences.
"The continued generosity of the Windgate Foundation has transformed what is possible for A-State," White added. "We are grateful for their lasting partnership and their commitment to expanding educational opportunities across Arkansas."
The Windgate Hall of Art and Innovation promises to serve as a hub for creativity, collaboration, and opportunity at Arkansas State University for years to come.