Posted: 11/04/05
Wayland trustees approve borrowing $7 million
By Teresa Young
Wayland Baptist University
PLAINVIEW–Wayland Baptist University trustees approved borrowing up to $7 million to complete the Pete and Nelda Laney Student Activity Center and to buy the former Charter Plains Hospital property in Lubbock.
Approved in two separate recommendations from the property management committee, the move calls for borrowing up to $2 million to complete funding and begin construction on the activity center, a project started in 1999 on the Plainview campus.
Funds raised to date total nearly $2.9 million, with additional gifts anticipated. The university chose to name the building after Pete Laney of Hale Center, former Speaker of the House of Representatives in Austin, and his wife, Nelda, both of whom have supported higher education.
In another vote, trustees authorized a contract with Mill-Hicks of Lubbock for the construction project with an approximate base cost of $4.5 million, with alternates bringing the total to $4.8 million.
Another $200,000 is allowed for equipment and furnishings, with total expenditures not to exceed $5 million.
The 50,000-square-foot facility will include a double gymnasium, an elevated indoor running track, weight room and aerobics area, classrooms, a student lounge and a climbing wall.
Trustees also approved a contract to purchase the former Charter Plains Hospital property in Lubbock for $3.5 million. An additional $1.5 million was approved for renovation, equipment and furnishings for the facility, which will become the main location for the university's Lubbock campus.
Newly elected trustee officers are Chairman Vernon Stokes of Midland, Vice Chair Edgar Murphy of Lubbock, Secretary Max Gabriel of Plainview and Assistant Secretary Rose Mediano of Lubbock.
Trustees also approved an honorary doctor of divinity degree for Don Guthrie, pastor of First Baptist Church in San Antonio, noting his strong support for Wayland's San Antonio branch.
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