For generations of Bluefield University students, Cruise Hall and Rish Hall have been more than residence halls. They have been home. Now, the university is moving to make that home better with a $3 million investment in two of the campus’s most historic buildings.
The project represents one of the university’s most significant investments in residential life and campus infrastructure. It also reflects an effort to preserve the legacy of two residence halls that have long shaped the students’ experience at Bluefield.
“These renovations reflect an essential investment in our students and the environments where they live,” said Steve Peterson, President of Bluefield University. “We are excited about these upgrades to Rish and Cruise Halls. The improvements will have an immediate impact and reflect the positive momentum we have across campus.”
Cruise Hall, which opened in 1922, is the university’s oldest residence hall. It has served as a home for students and remained a visible part of Bluefield’s history and tradition. Rish Hall opened in the 1960s as the university’s first residence hall for women and has played a central role in campus life for generations of students.
An image of Cruise Hall.
Both buildings will undergo extensive renovations, updating interior spaces and major building systems. Planned improvements include upgraded common areas and lounges, fully renovated bathrooms, new energy-efficient windows, and the installation of PTAC heating and air conditioning units in each room. Once completed, every residence hall on campus will offer climate control.
The timeline for the work is scheduled during the summer months, so students can begin seeing the results when they return this fall. Rish Hall will receive a full renovation during that period, while Cruise Hall will undergo substantial upgrades in key areas during the initial phase. Additional work on Cruise Hall will continue beyond the summer.
“I think it’s a big step for the university and for the on-campus students,” said Will Austin, Residence Hall Director for Cruise Hall. “It’s a turning point for the residence life facilities and a push towards a better campus experience.”
The $3 million renovation effort is being funded through a combination of institutional investment and philanthropic support, including the generous partnership and shared commitment of our sister institution, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM).
“Bluefield University has been an exceptional partner. In addition to their pre-medical science degree, we have shared programs like the Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences and the Master of Health Science in Anesthesia. These programs are supporting the growth of healthcare providers in our region,” said Dr. Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, President of VCOM. “We are proud to support these renovations as another meaningful investment in the student experience and in the future we are building together.”
Bluefield University is also working with alumni, friends, and strategic partners to expand the reach of the project, with opportunities to further enhance student spaces, improve amenities, and support the long-term sustainability of residential life on campus.
The residence hall renovations are part of a broader effort to strengthen campus infrastructure and improve the student experience. Recent campus projects have included the renovation of Alumni Hall, major upgrades in Lansdell Hall, and continued improvements to the university library. The Dome is also scheduled for renovation this summer.
Together, these projects will bring total campus renovations to more than $6 million over two years, marking a period of substantial investment in the future of Bluefield University and the students who call it home.