JONESBORO – Arkansas State University has unveiled its newest addition, the $25 million Windgate Hall of Art and Innovation, designed to bring together students from diverse disciplines to collaborate on innovative projects. The facility emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, blending art, design, engineering, and computer science in state-of-the-art spaces.
The building, made possible by a $25 million gift from the Windgate Foundation, includes $20 million for construction and $5 million for maintenance. The foundation, the largest single benefactor in A-State’s 115-year history, has contributed more than $40 million to the university.
"From its conception, the Windgate Hall was imagined as a space where seemingly disparate disciplines could come together to produce something new," said Katherine Baker, chair of the Art + Design Department. "Creativity is central to art and design but is equally essential in engineering and computer science."
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 11, at 2 p.m. on the A-State campus. The opening coincides with the Art + Design Alumni Reunion, running Sept. 11-12. The reunion weekend offers alumni opportunities to reconnect through building tours, workshops, panel discussions, and more, culminating in the first home game for the Red Wolves football team. All reunion events are free, but advance registration is encouraged.
The new facility features open, flexible studio spaces, advanced technology, and a light-filled project studio equipped for collaborative work. Amenities include virtual reality tools, 3D printers, and an art gallery designed for student exhibitions and visiting artists. Outdoor spaces, including a terrace and flower beds for sourcing natural dyes, complement the building’s creative focus.
Dr. Calvin White Jr., interim chancellor, highlighted the building's potential to prepare students for careers in creative industries. "Windgate Hall reinforces our commitment to providing students with learning experiences that prepare them to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world," White said.
Dr. YeonSang Hwang, interim dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, emphasized the hands-on learning opportunities the new space offers. "Students will see the complete cycle of design take shape before their own eyes," Hwang said, adding that the faculty is exploring additional equipment, such as robotics tools, as the facility evolves.
The building also serves as a creative hub for the campus. This fall, first-year students will engage in interdisciplinary projects from their very first semester. Courses will include small group assignments and capstone experiences that utilize the new building’s resources.
The Windgate Hall complements the Windgate Center for Three-Dimensional Arts, which opened in 2021. Together, the facilities expand opportunities for artistic growth, including woodworking, ceramics, and other disciplines.
Rachel Baillot, assistant professor of photography, praised the outdoor green space designed to inspire creativity. "The natural elements provide an appreciation for the state’s unique environment," she said.
Faculty members are eager to expand public engagement through events like the Halloween Art Bash and the annual Delta Print Symposium, as well as exhibitions and workshops. Caitlan Smith, instructor of art history, sees the facility advancing the Art + Design Department's goal of becoming a regional hub for the arts.
Julia Wintner, director of the Bradbury Art Museum, also expressed excitement about new collaborative opportunities. "This facility will create unprecedented opportunities for collaboration among artists, engineers, and computer scientists," Wintner said.
Dr. White acknowledged the transformative impact of the Windgate Foundation. "The continued generosity of the Windgate Foundation has expanded what is possible for A-State," he said. "We are grateful for their enduring partnership and commitment to education in Arkansas."