I swell with pride.

This week, we had the ribbon cutting on the Trojan Grill, the last of four completed new building projects that began in 2010. Sitting in the UALR Board of Visitors meeting in the Bailey Center three years ago, I couldn’t imagine what an impact a mere board approval would make on a university campus.

Fast forward to today. We now have sparkling new facilities for students that are second to none in our state: a Student Services Center where students can take care of their enrollment needs under one beautiful roof;

A Center for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences where you’ll find students and scientists doing research in state-of-the-art labs that will impact the future of our grandchildren;

West Hall, the new freshmen high rise with amenities such as private baths, kitchens, and double bedrooms (nothing like my old dorm room);

Coleman Sports and Recreation Complex, a track and field/soccer/intramural facility that already is the envy of serious and casual athletes;

and now, the Trojan Grill, located conveniently in the residence hall commons, where students can grab a snack or dinner between 5 p.m. and midnight choosing from culinary selections such as shrimp po’ boys, sweet potato fries, veggie reubens, and grilled chicken.

If you haven’t had the chance to check out these student facilities, you’re missing a real treat.