Athens State University held a “groundbreaking” ceremony this morning to kick off the renovation of Brown Hall.
This iconic, columned three-story building that stands directly behind Founders Hall, was constructed in 1912 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. It is the second oldest building on the Athens State campus behind Founders Hall. Brown Hall is named in honor of Ms. Florence Brown, the 21-year-old staff member who remained with young women on campus who were too ill to travel as a result of the 1909 typhoid epidemic that claimed the lives of 15 students. Ms. Brown also succumbed to the epidemic on November 5, 1909.
The vision for the future of Brown Hall is to transform the building into a space for the University’s growing health-focused academic programs, including Health Science, Health Science Management, Healthcare Management, Biology, Psychology, Behavioral Sciences, and Nursing. Brown Hall was built for students in honor of a woman who gave her life in service to students – Athens State wants to renew that mission and utilize Brown Hall to serve students once again.
The expected renovation completion date is Spring 2025.