The University of Southern Indiana is preparing to break ground on a transformative renovation and expansion project that will reshape the very first building constructed on campus in 1969: the Byron C. Wright Administration Building (Wright Administration Building). Constructed under the leadership of Dr. David L. Rice, USI’s founding President, the Wright Administration Building was completed just two years prior to a Campus Master Plan that laid out the vision for today’s modern and vibrant campus.
Utilizing state capital funding secured in the 2023-25 budget cycle, the project represents an investment of just under $34 million in the University’s future.
The Wright Administration Building houses senior administrative offices of the President, Provost and vice presidents, as well as other administrative offices and departments. The building also includes three lecture halls, WA I, WA II and WA III (also known as Forum I, Forum II and Forum III) and student lounges and study spaces.
The project will begin with the demolition of approximately 26,000 square feet on the building’s north side to allow for a complete rebuild and expansion from one story to two, providing additional space for offices and collaborative learning environments. This portion of the building will be transformed with a striking new glass façade that embodies the University’s growth and forward-focused vision.
Inside, the south side’s forum spaces—longtime hub for classes, activities and events—will be completely reimagined to foster collaboration, accessibility and an environment that better serves today’s students, faculty and visitors. The south side will also undergo major interior updates to complement these enhancements and ensure a cohesive, modern learning environment throughout the facility.
“This project is not just about improving a building—it’s about honoring USI’s history while creating space for its future,” said Steven J. Bridges, USI President. “The Wright Administration Building has been at the heart of this campus since the beginning and this renovation ensures it will continue to serve as a place where innovation, community and student success thrive for decades to come.”
The Wright Administration Building is named for the late Byron C. Wright, an early contributor to the founding of the University and its success. Wright came to the University in 1967, guiding the business side of developing a regional campus of Indiana State University Evansville, then working alongside Rice to advocate for funding important academic programs and facilities and later overseeing the details of the transition to the independent four-year public University we know today. He retired in 1995 as Vice President of Business Affairs, at which time the Wright Administration Building was named in his honor.
In addition to aesthetic upgrades, the renovation will address critical infrastructure needs, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, communication technology and structural improvements. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.
