Paris Junior College Board Approves Facilities Master Plan, Launches Campus Improvements

The Paris Junior College Board of Regents has approved a comprehensive Facilities Master Plan, establishing a long-term vision for growth, modernization, and improved student experiences across its campuses in Paris, Greenville, and Sulphur Springs.

Developed in partnership with the Plano office of Stantec, the plan outlines a 10-year framework to enhance academic, workforce, and student life facilities while aligning with enrollment growth, workforce needs, and advances in technology.

“This is an important milestone for Paris Junior College,” said President Dr. Stephen Benson. “The approval of this plan reflects our commitment to providing high-quality facilities that match the excellence of our programs and the expectations of our students and communities.”

The full Strategic Plan and Facilities Master Plan are available at https://parisjc.edu/about/index.php.

While the plan does not represent a fixed construction schedule, it serves as a strategic roadmap for future renovations, new construction, and campus improvements.

The Paris campus is expected to see the most significant transformation. Facility assessments identified aging infrastructure, deferred maintenance, and inefficiencies in space utilization. Feedback from students and employees also emphasized the importance of modern, well-maintained facilities in shaping the overall campus experience.

As a result, the plan calls for a phased replacement of outdated and structurally limited buildings rather than costly renovations. Facilities identified for future demolition include the Old Gymnasium, Noyes Stadium, Hatcher Hall, Thompson Hall, Applied Science Center, Art Building, and other maintenance department structures.

In their place, the college plans to develop modern spaces that better support workforce training and health science programs, along with expanded student housing, improved athletic facilities, and enhanced student life areas. The plan also introduces a more centralized campus layout with improved pedestrian flow and outdoor gathering spaces.