Vision 2020: A Miracle in the Making

Vision 2020 is a plan to complete ten major construction projects in ten years to accommodate an enrollment of 2020 students. The concept encompasses the recently completed 16-step campus facilities master plan of which the first step, a 100-space parking lot, was recently completed. My goal is to complete the next four steps over the next five years.

The first major project is the construction of a new three-story academic building. Architect Rik Sowell has presented preliminary plans and a conceptual drawing of the new building which will be located on the corner of College Avenue and Conway Boulevard. In addition to administrative offices and meeting rooms, the first floor will house offices that directly serve our students including the Office of Financial Aid, Business Office and Office of the Registrar.

The second floor will be home to PACE (Professional Adult College Education) and the Office of Online Studies and will also have several state-of-the-art classrooms. The Department of Religion and Department of Missions will occupy the third floor. Bible is our distinctive; we will always focus on biblical studies. It is fitting that an entire floor of the new structure will be dedicated to Bible and Missions. This level will also be equipped with numerous smart classrooms and a computer lab.

When the offices are vacated in the building they now share with the J.E. Cobb Library, that structure will be expanded and remodeled to approximately 16,500 sq. ft. This project, step four in the plan, will more than double the capacity of the present library. Step five is the construction of the first half of a new residence hall south of the campus.

In their September 2010 meeting, the CBC Board of Trustees approved the launch of a capital campaign with an initial goal of $5 million. They also accepted my recommendation to allow me to increase the goal significantly at such time the $5 million goal is reached.

To accomplish the next four steps of the plan will require approximately $12 million. In my inauguration speech just over five years ago, I had a lot to say about miracles. I knew then what I still believe today - that I want to be a part of something much bigger and better than what I can do or could ever even hope or imagine. That’s biblical you know. The Apostle Paul relates it this way in Ephesians 3:20, “Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” That verse has become somewhat of a theme among the student body, administration, faculty, and staff relative to Vision 2020.

To view more information about the new David T. Watkins Academic Building, CLICK HERE.