University of Tennessee, Knoxville Builds Student Success Center

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is constructing the $108 million Student Success Center at the heart of campus to catalyze academic and social engagement. Designed by HASTINGS Architecture and Lord Aeck Sargent, this vibrant hub will collocate key resources in a fully accessible and inclusive environment. The 116,000-sf structure will stand five stories high with a basement level, allowing for passage underneath and through the facility to promote connectivity with Hodges Library, Hess Hall, and the Pedestrian Mall.  

Interior spaces filled with natural light will incorporate natural elements and calming aesthetics to foster occupant wellbeing. On the ground floor, a welcoming commons will be accompanied by seminar and conference spaces capable of hosting larger events. Flexible instructional settings will include two 150-seat tiered classrooms and two 300-seat auditoriums, with four adaptable classrooms supplying additional functionality when combined together.

Accommodating the Division of Academic Success and the Veterans Success Center, the building will also provide a new home for Student Disability Services complete with a comprehensive testing venue. The Vol Study Center, the University Honors program, and the Office of First-Year Experience will be located in the development, as well as the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. With 33 coaching suites, 12 testing rooms, inviting lounges, and a café, the collaborative facility will create a powerful synergy to elevate every student’s experience.

Hoar Construction is employing BIM (Building Information Modeling) in the delivery of the project, which will connect to an exterior mass timber pavilion supporting a rooftop terrace. A courtyard, plaza, and lawn will offer further opportunities for interaction. Ground was broken in April of 2025 and completion is expected in fall of 2027.