A historic hall gets a new chapterMichigan State University’s oldest operating residence hall has entered a new era with a $37.1 million renovation that was celebrated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 12. Campbell Hall, which first opened in 1939, has been transformed into the new home of MSU’s Honors College, merging nearly 90 years of tradition with state-of-the-art upgrades designed to serve students for decades to come.
The event brought together msu President Kevin Guskiewicz, donor and trustee emeritus Dave Porteous, Provost Laura Lee McIntyre, and Honors College Interim Dean Glenn Chambers, who all highlighted the project’s significance. For Chambers, the revamped Campbell Hall is more than just a residence hall—it is an academic hub, a community space, and a symbol of MSU’s commitment to innovation and student success.Campbell Hall as the new Honors College hubToday, Campbell Hall houses 245 students, most of whom are affiliated with the Honors College and Academic Scholars programs. About 78 percent of residents belong to these academic tracks, and roughly 76 percent are incoming first-year students. This strategic design ensures that the hall serves as a living-learning community where collaboration thrives.Chambers emphasized the hall’s role as a central meeting point for undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and alumni. The goal, he explained, is to create a space where ideas flow across disciplines and generations, with seminars, workshops, and networking opportunities all contributing to an enriching academic environment.Student reactions to the transformationThe renovation has already won over its first group of student residents. For first-year students like Ava Leonardis of Grand Rapids and Natalie Hilkene of Minneapolis, living in Campbell Hall was their top housing choice. Both students emphasized that Honors College housing played a major role in their decision to apply, and they were pleased with the outcome.
Leonardis compared Campbell Hall favorably to nearby residence halls like Yakeley and Gilchrist, noting that the modernized features make a visible difference. Hilkene’s mother, Molly, also praised the updated building, calling it a welcoming environment where her daughter feels truly supported by the university.Preserving history while embracing modern needsCampbell Hall has stood on the MSU campus for nearly nine decades, and maintaining its historic character was a central goal of the renovation. At the same time, university leaders recognized the need for accessibility, safety, and modern amenities. Trustees approved the project in February 2024, and construction began in May with funding from private donors and university bonds.Upgrades include a new elevator and accessible entrance ramp, ensuring all students can navigate the building with ease. Energy-efficient windows, new roofing, a fire-safety sprinkler system, and an updated building access system were installed to enhance sustainability and safety. Inside, versatile student-centered spaces were added to accommodate studying, wellness, music practice, and academic programs.Upgraded rooms and student facilitiesIndividual rooms in Campbell Hall received new flooring, paint, and furniture, giving students a more modern and comfortable living space. Communal bathrooms were also redesigned to meet the needs of today’s students, while maintaining the communal spirit that has long defined campus housing.The updated design aims to create balance: honoring the heritage of one of MSU’s oldest structures while providing 21st-century amenities that enhance daily life for students. The result is a hall that feels both historic and new, a blend of tradition and innovation.A long-term investment in student successDuring the ribbon-cutting, President Guskiewicz underscored the long-term vision behind the project, noting that Campbell Hall is now equipped to serve students for another 86 years. This major investment reflects MSU’s commitment to improving the student experience while preserving the campus’s architectural history.By reimagining Campbell Hall as both a residence and an intellectual hub, MSU has created a space that reflects the university’s mission: preparing students to lead, learn, and contribute in meaningful ways. For the Honors College and its students, the renovated hall represents opportunity, growth, and connection across academic and generational lines.
The event brought together msu President Kevin Guskiewicz, donor and trustee emeritus Dave Porteous, Provost Laura Lee McIntyre, and Honors College Interim Dean Glenn Chambers, who all highlighted the project’s significance. For Chambers, the revamped Campbell Hall is more than just a residence hall—it is an academic hub, a community space, and a symbol of MSU’s commitment to innovation and student success.Campbell Hall as the new Honors College hubToday, Campbell Hall houses 245 students, most of whom are affiliated with the Honors College and Academic Scholars programs. About 78 percent of residents belong to these academic tracks, and roughly 76 percent are incoming first-year students. This strategic design ensures that the hall serves as a living-learning community where collaboration thrives.Chambers emphasized the hall’s role as a central meeting point for undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and alumni. The goal, he explained, is to create a space where ideas flow across disciplines and generations, with seminars, workshops, and networking opportunities all contributing to an enriching academic environment.Student reactions to the transformationThe renovation has already won over its first group of student residents. For first-year students like Ava Leonardis of Grand Rapids and Natalie Hilkene of Minneapolis, living in Campbell Hall was their top housing choice. Both students emphasized that Honors College housing played a major role in their decision to apply, and they were pleased with the outcome.Leonardis compared Campbell Hall favorably to nearby residence halls like Yakeley and Gilchrist, noting that the modernized features make a visible difference. Hilkene’s mother, Molly, also praised the updated building, calling it a welcoming environment where her daughter feels truly supported by the university.Preserving history while embracing modern needsCampbell Hall has stood on the MSU campus for nearly nine decades, and maintaining its historic character was a central goal of the renovation. At the same time, university leaders recognized the need for accessibility, safety, and modern amenities. Trustees approved the project in February 2024, and construction began in May with funding from private donors and university bonds.Upgrades include a new elevator and accessible entrance ramp, ensuring all students can navigate the building with ease. Energy-efficient windows, new roofing, a fire-safety sprinkler system, and an updated building access system were installed to enhance sustainability and safety. Inside, versatile student-centered spaces were added to accommodate studying, wellness, music practice, and academic programs.Upgraded rooms and student facilitiesIndividual rooms in Campbell Hall received new flooring, paint, and furniture, giving students a more modern and comfortable living space. Communal bathrooms were also redesigned to meet the needs of today’s students, while maintaining the communal spirit that has long defined campus housing.The updated design aims to create balance: honoring the heritage of one of MSU’s oldest structures while providing 21st-century amenities that enhance daily life for students. The result is a hall that feels both historic and new, a blend of tradition and innovation.A long-term investment in student successDuring the ribbon-cutting, President Guskiewicz underscored the long-term vision behind the project, noting that Campbell Hall is now equipped to serve students for another 86 years. This major investment reflects MSU’s commitment to improving the student experience while preserving the campus’s architectural history.By reimagining Campbell Hall as both a residence and an intellectual hub, MSU has created a space that reflects the university’s mission: preparing students to lead, learn, and contribute in meaningful ways. For the Honors College and its students, the renovated hall represents opportunity, growth, and connection across academic and generational lines. 
