Tulane University staff begin moving into new Mississippi Coast campus

BILOXI, MS (WLOX) - On September 8, students will take their first steps onto the new Tulane University Mississippi Coast Campus.

Staff spent Friday moving in to the newly-renovated building, and some say it was a mad dash to get the campus ready for classes.

"It's chaos, because we've got computers coming in. We've got movers coming in, We're unloading boxes," said Tulane University Graduate Student Erika Reynolds.

Reynolds was the first student who got a chance to see the inside of Tulane University's new campus at Edgewater Village.

"I was awestruck. It's absolutely beautiful compared to the old building. It's like a wonderland. It's really nice," Reynolds said.

 After 13 years at Edgewater Mall, moving day was a dream come true for many of Tulane's faculty and staff.

"It's really exciting. Ever since I started working here in 2006, we've been talking about a move, and I'm getting to see it come into play here," said Tulane University Senior Academic Adviser Dr. Lisa Hammons.

There was much to do, including assembling furniture in 16 classrooms, setting up the offices and sorting boxes of supplies.

"Everybody's working hard. They're working fast, and everybody started first thing at 8:00 this morning. So it's been a good day," said Hammons.

When the 300 students return to school after Labor Day, they will be the first to attend classes on the larger campus. They will have their own student lounge and study area, along with technology, security and environmental upgrades.
  
"We had classes last night at the old campus and I went in and told the students this will be the last time to say goodbye, because we will see you Tuesday," said Dr. Karen Lucas, Tulane University Mississippi Coast Associate Dean.

The construction project took five months to complete. The school will hold a ribbon cutting on October 26; the date Tulane's Mississippi Coast campus reopened after Hurricane Katrina.

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