Mercer University is investing in a dynamic new student center on its historic Macon campus to further elevate campus life and strengthen a sense of belonging for current and future generations of students. The modern, reimagined gathering space, slated to open in August 2028, will replace Connell Student Center, which is scheduled for demolition in July.
The Building for BEARS (Belong-Engage-Aspire-Relax-Savor) project, designed with student input on how to enhance living, dining and learning experiences, will house the University’s primary dining hall, common areas, meeting spaces and student affairs offices.
“Replacing Connell gives us an opportunity to reenvision how we promote community in the center of the Macon campus, creating spaces where students not only share meals, but gather to have those important conversations outside classrooms, labs and studios that are vital to the college experience,” said President Dr. Penny L. Elkins.
“We are putting a great deal of thought into how our new student center is laid out and furnished to make it, in essence, a campus living and dining room.”
The Board of Trustees approved the project at its April 17 meeting on the Cecil B. Day Campus in Atlanta. DLR Group is serving as architect for the project, and Sheridan Construction will be the general contractor.
“The architects, planners and engineers at DLR Group have been animated by this opportunity to create from the ground up a facility that will serve Mercer students for generations to come,” said Julia T. Davis, senior vice president for administration and finance. “We look forward to working with DLR Group and Sheridan Construction over the next two years to design, build and furnish what will become a signature building on the Macon campus.”
What’s next
Connell’s upcoming closure on May 15 will be supported by a timeline designed to minimize disruption during the academic year. Following its closure, the following dining options will be made available, including several with expanded options.
Summer dining services
- Farmers Market in the University Center will be modified to accommodate more diners, including the addition of an awning, fans, heaters and more seating to its outdoor patio.
- Fresh Food Company, the campus’s primary dining hall, will temporarily relocate to and provide services in Penfield Hall. (Penfield Hall opened in 1922 as the men’s dining hall and will return to its original purpose during this transition.) The space will be supplemented with a modular kitchen that will be set up over the summer. All food stations currently available in Fresh Food Company will remain available, along with expanded options.
- Kola Kitchen will relocate to and open in the Farmer’s Market.
- Tot’s Market will relocate to and open in Legacy Hall.
Fall dining services
- The Drop, a virtual kitchen with contactless pick up, will relocate to and open in Tarver Library.
- Toby’s Mobile will operate Monday-Friday, weather permitting, at Cruz Plaza, with a rotating menu.
- Fresh Food Company and The Drop will continue to provide services in Penfield Hall and Tarver Library, respectively.
- Farmers Market will continue to provide services with expanded accommodations in the University Center.
- Tot’s Market will continue to operate in Legacy Hall.
Offices currently located in Connell — including access and accommodation, campus life, housing and residence life, and Quadworks — will temporarily relocate to other buildings across campus.
“My staff is very excited to be engaged in developing a campus centerpiece that will better serve the evolving needs of our students,” said Dr. Douglas Pearson, vice president for student affairs and dean of students. “Connell has provided us with many memories over the years, and through our close partnership with the Student Government Association, we are working to ensure that our current programs and services meet and exceed student expectations during the transition period and for future generations of scholars.”
Farewell to Connell
Connell Student Center opened in 1958 during the presidency of its namesake, George Boyce Connell. Since that time, thousands of students have shared meals, conversations and study sessions and have built lifelong relationships within the building’s walls.
Alumni and friends who wish to say goodbye should do so before May 15 and are encouraged to share memories at any time at buildingforbears.mercer.edu.
In the coming days, the University will use this website to share project progress reports and exciting opportunities to support this transformative project and make a lasting impact for future generations of Bears, including naming opportunities and mementos for purchase.
