STATESBORO — Georgia Southern University celebrated a newly-renovated Sanford Hall with a ribbon cutting recently. The $8.65 million Communication Arts building, formerly an apartment-style dormitory, will be home to more than 900 students majoring in communication studies, multimedia film and production, multimedia journalism, public relations and theatre.

“As we look toward the future, we designed this building in such a way that we can adapt as the media continues to adapt,” said Pamela Bourland-Davis, chair and professor of the Department of Communication Arts. “For example, we plan to add robotic cameras in the lecture hall to capture guest presentations so the community can enjoy them … at the same time, this provides our students with state-of-the-art technology experience.”

The renovations included replacing an internal wood structure with a steel frame to allow for studio and classroom space and offers multiple classrooms, faculty office space, an advisement center, broadcast and film studios, a converged media lab, lecture hall that will be used for film screenings and the WVGS radio station.

“This is a tremendous day for Georgia Southern and for the Communication Arts degree programs,” said Brooks A. Keel, president. “We are very, very proud of where we’ve come from and now we’re looking forward to our future.”

Sanford Hall opened as a dormitory in 1939 and after a mid-1970s remodel, offered the first apartment-style residence living on campus. The building closed as a residence hall in 2011.

For more information on the Department of Communication Arts, visit class.georgiasouthern.edu.