It’s been a long time coming, but Troy University will officially open the doors to its new College of Education building today.

The Jack Hawkins Jr. Hall, as the Board of Trustees voted to name the building in its early construction days, has been open since the end of December.

But today, Alabama Governor Bob Riley, state education officials and several of Troy’s administrators will dedicate the building to the chancellor at 3p.m., and all local residents are encouraged to attend.

This building will become the first solely dedicated building since 1949 and the first to completely house all the department’s classrooms and faculty offices in one location.

Dean of the College of Education Lance Tatum said the building is truly something to be proud of.

“Everyone has been just elated with the building—faculty, staff and students in the college,” Tatum said. “It’s an unbelievably nice place to work.”

Tatum said the building is still too new to determine just how it will benefit the program, but he is optimistic it may improve retention, recruitment and overall classroom teaching.

Doug Hawkins, president pro-tem of the Board of Trustees, said the building is one the College of Education has needed for some time.

“This building is very modern and going to serve the university for a long time,” Hawkins said.

The ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. on the first-floor atrium of Jack Hawkins Jr. Hall, designated as the Alabama Educational Leadership Hall of Fame.

Tatum said speeches will be made by Gov. Riley and State Superintendent of Education Joe Morton.

In addition, university officials Ed Roach, John Schmidt and Doug Patterson will attest to the chancellor’s service to the university.

Other guests include, Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford, Board of Trustees member Lamar Higgins, and Bob Howell, who is the master of ceremonies.

Following the event, Tatum said a reception will be held and the public will be open to take self-guided tours of the building.