t’s just a walk in the park for the
students and faculty of Tennessee
Wesleyan University. Literally, taking
a stroll around the campus with lush
landscape and magnificent architecture
is the same as walking in a beautiful park.
There are more than 20 buildings making
up the campus with a design that allows
students to move easily between classes,
administrative offices and services, athletic
events and college activities. This “park like”
setting is the main campus of Tennessee
Wesleyan University located in historic
Athens, Tennessee.
The newest addition to this beautiful
landscape is the Colloms Campus Center
featuring new spaces and resources for
students, a game lounge, made-to-order
grill, student success center, study rooms
and much more. It has become the hub of
student life, providing opportunities to study,
grab some food or relax with friends.
The Honorable Judge Carl Colloms pledged
a $2 million gift towards this facility. In honor
of this contribution, the building was named
the Colloms Campus Center. “I knew my
path, and I appreciate Tennessee Wesleyan
letting me travel that path,” said the 1964
TWU graduate. It had been planned to
dedicate the building in his full name,
however, the always humble man requested
that it be named after his family.
Colloms Campus Center hosts an exterior
design that inhabits the tradition, historic
feel of the campus but also stands out in
new beauty. The second floor offers a large
balcony with rocking chairs overlooking the
grassy Commons lawn for which decades
of graduates have crossed to receive their
diplomas. The building offers career services,
servant leadership offices, interview rooms,
tutoring, a student art gallery, along with
a ballroom. It’s a social meeting place for
organizations, clubs and students that will
encourage learning and creativity. “We
wanted to build a place where everybody
feels comfortable.” said University President
Harley Knowles.
At Tennessee Wesleyan University, it is a
belief in the student as a whole, a focus on
academics, spiritual, social, and fun that
is clearly defined by the interior theme of
hard work and serious fun. In addition to
providing services for students, faculty and
staff, the Colloms Campus center will also
have space for meetings and gatherings for
community members.
The newest dining option, Burkett’s, is
a made-to-order grill. From burgers to
smoothies to salad, Burkett’s makes it
fresh and cooks it hot. Named in honor of
Athen’s most famous resident, Burkett Witt,
Tennessee’s first African-American Mayor,
elected to office in 1983. A lifelong Athens
resident, leaving only to serve his country in
World War II. Upon his return, he opened
Collums Campus Center
by CeCe Owens I
28 MONROE LIFE FALL 2019