Reinventing the spaces where we create and share our work

Semans renovation brings new life and new possibilities to campus

When the beautiful new Library and Learning Commons opened in 2014, the former James and Mary Semans Library was in need of reinvention — and UNCSA students, faculty and administrators were in need of space.

The 2016 Connect NC Bond Act provided more than $8 million to renovate and breathe new life into the former library.

In the summer of 2020, the new Semans Arts & Administration Building (SAAB) opened its doors—just as UNCSA was in the planning process to reintroduce students to a campus that had been very quiet since the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders had gone into effect.

The SAAB features bright, clean spaces with large windows and balconies that look out onto the newly redesigned Daniels Plaza. Facilities include a large multipurpose studio space, practice rooms, seminar rooms, and a recording studio and adjoining control room, where students and faculty will be able to create and share their work with new audiences.

With faculty office space for the schools of Dance and Drama at a premium—many faculty members have been forced to share space for years—the newly renovated SAAB includes faculty office space that is directly accessible from Dance and just a short walk from Drama.

The SAAB also creates the opportunity to relocate the offices of the chancellor, provost, chief of staff and other members of the administration into a new, centrally located, ADA-compliant space, increasing accessibility and visibility of university leadership.

In addition, the SAAB features an event space for gatherings, not only expanding the range of events that can be held on campus, but also freeing Eisenberg Social Hall in Hanes Student Commons for increased student use.

“We are thrilled that the Semans building has been transformed into such a bright and useful space,” says Vice Chancellor for Advancement Edward J. Lewis III. “The potential this building represents is significant, and we know that some of our donors and corporate partners are exploring sponsorship possibilities to help these spaces fulfill the possibilities they represent.”

Naming opportunities include studios, office suites, event space and multipurpose studio. For more information on naming opportunities, contact the Office of Advancement at (336) 770-3330.