Eastern University will soon begin the public phase of its capital fundraising efforts to renovate and expand the existing Workman Hall on its campus. The building will be renamed “Templeton Hall” in honor of the historic and generous support of the late Drs. John and Josephine Templeton and will become the home of the Templeton Honors College.

This renovation and expansion will enable collaborative learning experiences for all Eastern students, particularly those in the Templeton Honors College and the Fine and Performing Arts, with the addition of a lecture and recital space, reception hall, and art gallery. 

“I believe that Eastern University is uniquely equipped to prepare the next generation of wise thinkers, prophetic artists, and compassionate leaders that our world so desperately needs,” said President Ron Matthews. “We are excited about how this new building will facilitate the growth and development of our students, empowering them to make a transformative impact on the world around them.”

The $11 million capital initiative aims to support the recruitment and education of Eastern students by creating an integrated new space dedicated to the liberal, fine, and performing arts, which is a core component of the University’s overall strategic plan. This space will serve the Templeton Honors College’s pedagogical mission by adding communal areas and classrooms, all of which will foster the shared life of friendship, conversation, and study that prospective students seek. This addition will create much-needed spaces for hosting thoughtful campus events, inspirational speakers, and community performances.    

“This building will realize a dream the Honors College has had since its founding of a hospitable home for current and future Honors College students,” said Dr. Brian Williams, Dean of the Templeton Honors College and the College of Arts and Humanities. “The new space will also benefit the entire campus and local community by providing a showcase venue for the humanities and the visual and performing arts. I couldn’t be more thrilled to see this dream come to fruition in Templeton’s 25th anniversary year and the overall University’s 100th year, in 2025.” 

In addition to the enhancements planned for Workman Hall (soon to be Templeton Hall), Eastern is also excited to announce that Fowler Hall will become the new home of the Music Department, providing additional space and enhancements to faculty offices, classrooms, and practice rooms. The Music Department will also utilize the new performance spaces planned to expand Workman Hall.

Eastern University has raised 60 percent of the overall campaign goal in gifts and pledges and plans to break ground on this project in 2024. The university is grateful to those individuals and organizations who have already supported this project and welcomes those who would like to contribute to its efforts in this exciting capital initiative, which is Eastern’s first in over a decade. 

Gifts will bolster the learning, engagement, and community-building that will happen within the walls of the new building, empowering Eastern’s mission as a diverse, Christ-centered community preparing graduates to impact the world through faith, reason, and justice.

Learn more about Eastern University’s plans for expansion and how the Christian university enrolls approximately 7,000 students in its undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs — joined by core values of faith, reason, and justice.