Brooks Hall to close at end of fall semester

Brooks Hall, built in 1957 and named for former CSC President Wiley G. Brooks, will be offline until further notice in order to reduce operational costs. Currently, Brooks Hall is at one third of its residential capacity and the savings of closing it could exceed $35,000 next semester, according to Vice President for Administration and Finance Dale Grant.

Chadron State’s remaining residence halls – High Rise, Andrews, Kent, Work and Eagle Ridge – all have capacity available to accommodate the Brooks Hall residents.

“This was not an easy decision to make. Closing Brooks Hall for the time being will be a sentimental experience for both residents and staff, but ultimately this decision boils down to reducing operating costs,” Director of Housing and Residence Life Austen Stephens said. “Those savings will be reflected in the continued value in the cost of campus housing at Chadron State.”

Students who live in Brooks Hall met with CSC housing officials Friday afternoon about the college’s decision. Staff members of Housing and Residence Life said they will work closely with residents at Brooks Hall and the students were informed they will have the opportunity to choose their own residence halls in the spring semester.

The CSC employees currently stationed in Brooks Hall will also be relocated to other residence halls.

“In light of these circumstances, current residents of Brooks Hall will be awarded first priority placement in other residence halls from now through the spring semester,” Stephens said.

While Brooks Hall, which has shut its doors or been repurposed other times since it opened, will close in December, there are no plans for the building to permanently close.

For more information, please contact Housing and Residence Life at 308-432-6355.