By: Tracy Saanders, Co-Editor | tracy@thewoodrufftimes.com
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — The University of South Carolina Upstate officially opened its new The Learning Commons on Thursday, October 2, marking the first complete building constructed under Chancellor Dr. Bennie L. Harris’s leadership. The 22,000-square-foot facility is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and academic support for the university’s growing student body.
Dr. Harris expressed his gratitude to the many individuals and organizations that helped bring the project to life, including Mosley Architects, Thompson Turner Construction, and Jack Porter. The $21 million investment, funded with the support of state lawmakers, represents a major step forward for the campus. “This expansion would not have been possible without all of your leadership, your commitment, and belief in our mission,” Harris said.
The chancellor also noted the project’s symbolic touches, such as wooden gifts crafted from trees removed during construction, reflecting the university’s “tree campus” identity. The building’s interior continues this theme with wood elements and a tree motif, symbolizing student growth and connection.
Senior Project Managers Shannon Calloway of Mosley Architects and Jack Robinson of Thompson Turner highlighted the teamwork that made the project possible within a tight 14-month construction timeline. Robinson added that about 20% of the subcontractor costs went to local Spartanburg County businesses, reinvesting community dollars into the project.
University Trustee Dr. Henry L. Jolly, Jr. and Spartanburg County Commission for Higher Education Chair Anne Flynn emphasized the Learning Commons’ role in advancing education and community engagement. Flynn described the building as “a passion for learning, a source of knowledge, an environment of curiosity, and a symbol of our past and our future.”
Sophomore biology major Hania Mejares, said, “One of the things I love most about this new addition is how thoughtfully it was designed with students in mind,” providing space for study groups, tutoring, and advising.
Following the dedication ceremony, guests toured the facility and attended a ribbon cutting and reception featuring coffee and a “donut bar” built from reclaimed campus wood.
The Learning Commons, or “TLC” as Chancellor Harris affectionately called it, now stands as a central hub for students — a space “where collaboration takes root and the seeds of leadership are planted for generations to come.”
Author: Tracy Sanders
