At the Homecoming Kickoff Celebration on Friday, October 17, Central Methodist University officials announced the launch of Eagle Pride: The Campaign for Central’s Future, a fundraising effort focused on three areas of investment. The $30 million campaign will look to fund projects under the banners of Student Success, Athletic Achievement, and Campus Beautification, all in an effort to enhance the campus environment for all students.
“Central has worked hard to stay ahead of the rapidly changing landscape of higher education over the past several decades, and we’ve seen a lot of changes come from that effort,” said Dr. Roger Drake, president of the University. “One thing that has never and will never change is our commitment to student success. Through this new campaign, we’re continuing that effort to continue serving students in a more excellent way, meeting the needs of these students where they are.”
Student Success
The most directly impactful portions of the campaign to that effort of meeting students’ needs are the three goals under the Student Success area. Campaign organizers are looking to raise a total of $11 million in this area for endowment support, the Central Annual Fund, and specific programs geared toward retention and technological advancements.
The Pay It Forward initiative is one such program already contributing to student retention. Through generous gifts by donors, academically successful students with outstanding balances have been able to reduce or eliminate their debt, allowing them to continue focusing on their studies. The campaign hopes to see this initiative grow further and to create new programs to invest in students’ futures.
Contributions to the Annual Fund and the endowment will also be crucial in allowing Central to strengthen its present and its future. Increased giving to the Annual Fund helps the University respond to its most pressing needs, while endowment giving supports Central’s ability to maintain long-term financial stability. All of this ensures that CMU can continue enhancing student experiences and advancing its mission for generations to come.
Athletic Achievement
The largest portion of the campaign for Central’s future involves upgrades and additions to the current athletic facilities, with the goals of elevating experiences for both varsity and reserve student-athletes and enhancing the game day experience for Eagle fans.
The campaign seeks $11.5 million for enhancements to the football, soccer, and track & field facilities that will benefit the varsity and reserve athletes for each of those sports, as well as the fans and community at large. Special projects under this goal include a purpose-built soccer facility at Alexander Field, a clubhouse for football and track athletes at Davis Field, and expanded spaces to support reserve athletes, intramural sports programs, and the marching band.
An additional $3 million is being sought to upgrade the facilities at Estes Baseball Field and the Cox Softball Complex. Work has already begun on updated clubhouses for CMU teams and visitors, which will also benefit Fayette High School teams and other organizations utilizing the fields. Also in the plans are enhancements to hitting and pitching practice facilities, scoreboards and broadcasting systems, and bleachers and concession stands for CMU fans.
Campus Beautification
Through the Eagle Pride campaign, one of the county’s most iconic buildings will be receiving some critical upgrades. A goal of $4 million has been set for the renovation of T. Berry Smith Hall, which has stood tall on campus since 1895.
Numerous projects are planned for the renovation, including the addition of an elevator to ensure ADA compliance, renovation of the main floor and lobby and addition of study areas, replacement of the roof, and structural maintenance and repairs to the iconic building.
Central will also seek to raise $500,000 for the enhancement of its curb appeal and campus gateways, to enhance the University’s first impression on visitors and leave a lasting impact. The beautification project will focus on improving sidewalks, constructing new gateways, adding landscaping features, upgrading signage, and improving parking facilities.
The silent phase of the campaign has been ongoing since 2022, and in that time Central has already raised just over half its goal of $30 million. To view the campaign’s progress and find more information about each aspect of the fundraising effort, visit the Eagle Pride Campaign page on the CMU website.