Tigerville Celebrates New Free Enterprise Center at North Greenville University
TIGERVILLE — North Greenville University has recently completed a significant renovation of its historic administrative building, now known as the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center. The grand opening took place on April 12, 2024, where several board members and donors gathered to cut the ceremonial ribbon, marking the end of the multimillion-dollar project.
A $10.4 Million Transformation
This ambitious project, costing approximately $10.4 million, involved a complete overhaul of the former Donnan Administration Building. Construction began in 2021, with workers stripping the structure down to its steel and concrete framework. Through hard work and perseverance, the transformation has resulted in a mixed-use building featuring new classrooms, faculty offices, and collaborative workspaces.
Fostering Business and Entrepreneurship
The newly renovated center is dedicated to supporting the university’s business and entrepreneurship college, which plays a crucial role in educating over 500 of the school’s 2,200 students. This facility provides essential resources to foster a learning environment where students can thrive.
A Beautiful Setting
University President Gene Fant Jr. expressed excitement over the building’s stunning features. “There’s 180-degree mountain views on each side of the building,” he noted, emphasizing the beautiful surroundings. Fant also mentioned that the university wanted the facility to reflect the excellence of its students and faculty.
Building with History
In a charming touch, the furniture inside the building has been crafted from wood sourced from trees on campus. Furthermore, the building has retained a 50-year-old table in the offices where trustees have historically gathered. This blend of modern function with traditional elements signifies the university’s respect for its history while looking towards the future.
Support from the Robert W. Plaster Foundation
The Robert W. Plaster Foundation, based in the Midwest, has generously funded this project. The foundation is known for supporting university initiatives that promote free enterprise values. In addition to North Greenville University, the foundation has backed similar projects at Southwest Baptist University, Missouri State University, and Missouri Southern State University.
Community Impact
The completion of the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center is expected to have a positive impact on the community and the university’s academic offerings. It will serve as a hub for students and faculty to engage in collaborative learning and entrepreneurship. The new facility promises to enhance the overall educational experience at North Greenville University.
A Bright Future Ahead
With students already benefiting from this state-of-the-art facility, the university is looking forward to its continued impact on future generations. As the program around business and entrepreneurship grows at North Greenville, the center aims to produce skilled individuals ready for challenges in the business world.
This exciting development not only adds to the university’s prestige but also highlights the commitment of the administration and donors to provide top-notch educational resources. The Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center signifies more than just a building; it represents a vision of success and opportunity for students pursuing their dreams in the panels of business education.
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
