Home is where the heart is. At Michigan State University, the heart of MSU’s historic West Circle’s residence halls lies in Campbell Hall, a building that has housed nearly 90 years of legacies and friendships.
On Sept. 12, MSU officially reopened Campbell Hall as the hub for the Honors College after a two-year, $37.1 million renovation. The restored hall houses 275 students and serves as a center for community and belonging for more than 4,500 students from the Honors College and Academic Scholars Program across campus.
The Honors College contributed $3.1 million from generous donors, along with the Division of Residential and Hospitality Services (RHS), which provided $34 million in support, including $30 million in bonds and $4 million from divisional reserves.
Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS), a department within RHS, oversees all MSU residence halls and was the main liaison with the Honors College through the renovation. REHS ensured that Campbell Hall’s original 1939 architecture was preserved while adding modern amenities, accessible spaces and programming areas designed for Honors and Academic Scholars students.
“This was my first major renovation project, and it’s been a privilege to imagine what Campbell could be for students,” said Charles Stephens, associate director for Residence Hall Services in REHS. “We preserved the history of the building while creating a space that will last another 80 years. Now it is truly a place students can call home.”
Something Old, Something New
Student input guided the renovation from the start. Through focus groups and the Honors College Campbell Hall Student Advisory Committee, students helped influence decisions on furniture selection, natural lighting, lounge layouts, study areas and breakout rooms.
The project carefully balances historical preservation with modern upgrades. Workers maintained and refinished original features, including subway tile in bathrooms, light fixtures, decorative molding, wood paneling and flooring. Campbell Hall also received major improvements to enhance safety and student life. RHS partnered with MSU’s Infrastructure and Planning and Facilities, Stantec Architecture and Christman Construction on the upgrades, including structural and safety improvements such as roof repairs, window replacement, updated furniture, energy-efficient HVAC systems, updated fire alarm systems, accessible restrooms, elevators, new lighting, energy-efficient windows, updated security access systems and an accessibility ramp to ensure a secure and comfortable living environment for students.
These upgrades complement student-focused spaces designed to foster academic growth, collaboration and community engagement. Residents and the Honors College community can use the Grand Hall, which holds up to 200 people for events and gatherings, as well as two fireside lounges, sun parlors, breakout rooms, wellness/reflection rooms and foyers. Additional spaces include four Honors College offices, study rooms, a kitchen, a grand staircase and music practice rooms to create a dynamic and inviting environment to support learning and social development.
Campbell Hall will also serve as the primary service and package center for the West Circle portion of North Neighborhood, allowing for more efficient services for all residents.
Honoring Louise H. Campbell
The Christman Company built Campbell Hall in 1939 and renovated it nearly 90 years later, following MSU’s strategy to preserve and modernize historic residence halls, as it did with Mayo and Landon halls. As one of the oldest buildings in MSU’s North Neighborhood, the hall honors Louise H. Campbell, a pioneering advocate for women’s education and advancement in traditionally male-dominated fields. Campbell led the MSU Home Economic Outreach in the 1920s and later served as the Dean of the Women’s Program.
Her legacy lives on through a large oil painting, “A Long Line of Women,” by MSU art Professor Teresa Dunn, displayed in the building. The painting celebrates how women connect through family, friendship, mentorship and other shared experiences. It depicts women of color, immigrants and others marginalized by their gender expression or sexual orientation, highlighting themes of belonging, hope and solidarity.
Dunn’s art and Campbell’s legacy reflect Campbell Hall’s mission, to inspire future generations of Spartans to celebrate myriad Spartan perspectives, mentorship and experiences while continuing to learn, grow and lead.
“Campbell Hall is more than just a building. It is an incubator for ideas, a catalyst for collaboration and a true home for ambitions and service for future Honors College students,” said Honors College student, Sumaiya Imad. “I see myself within these hallways, keeping it alive with conversations that spark bold ideas, collaborating with other ambitious students on the challenges that matter most, and growing friendships that will ripple far beyond graduation. This is a place where belonging meets possibility.”
Teamwork Makes The Dream Work
The success of the Campbell Hall renovation would not have been possible without the dedicated leadership and passion for student success by the Honors College and REHS. Both units worked side by side to ensure the building reflected the needs of Honors students while respecting the history of this campus landmark.
For Dr. Bess German, assistant dean of the Honors College, Campbell Hall represents an opportunity to expand access and belonging for high-achieving students. With over 28 years of experience in admissions and student affairs, Dr. German has dedicated her career to making the Honors College a diverse and inclusive community. She hopes Campbell Hall will serve as a hub for Honors students, a home base and place to gather and build community.
Dr. German highlighted the $3.1 million Honors College investment was a rare opportunity for an academic unit to partner with REHS. She said working on this project from start to finish, and finally seeing it come to fruition, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her career. She said she feels energized to see this vision come to life for both units.
“What excites me most is discovering how we can do so much more for students when we work together, because the whole is better than the sum of its parts,” said Dr. German. “What’s beautiful about this collaboration is that it’s moved us outside of our typical bubble in higher education.”
Dr. Ray Gasser, assistant vice president for REHS, served as the project’s executive sponsor. With almost three decades in housing and 13 years at MSU, Gasser’s work is driven by his passion for transforming historic spaces into dynamic living-learning environments. For him, inclusivity and safety were top priorities. Campbell Hall now features accessibility upgrades, including ramps and elevators, private toilets and showers, and an improved security system. Additional enhancements include an upgraded sprinkler system, enhanced card security, fire alarm system, backup generators and relocation of the laundry room on the second floor.
“I take great pride in being part of these projects and part of the process of identifying what the needs are based on student and community input,” said Gasser. “For me, it is almost like raising a kid – you want it to be something you are really proud of. In this case, we are beyond proud of what Campbell has become and look forward to what it becomes for the Honors community.”
Together, German and Gasser see Campbell Hall as more than a residence hall. It is a shared investment in academic excellence, leadership development and community building. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and teamwork for a higher goal centered around student success.
“It is a total team effort, and I’m proud of everyone who's been involved in this project and really appreciate the Honors College for partnering with us,” said Gasser.
Through Honors Students' Eyes
For Honors College students, Campbell Hall is more than just a newly renovated residence hall; it is a home where community and possibility come together.
Lalitha Hasa Perakam, a senior computer science major from India, has been part of the Honors College since her first year. Perakam has served as president of the International Scholars Advisory Board and Vice President of the Honors Students of Color Coalition. For her, the chance to become a resident assistant in Campbell Hall was an opportunity to give back.
“I feel like being in the Honors College residential community is the easiest and biggest way I can give back,” said Perakam. “The entire floor and building is in the Honors College, so I get to share a similar experience and build that community with students right where they live.”
Perakam sees Campbell Hall as a welcoming and inclusive space where international students, students of color and all Honors College members can feel at home. From Friendsgiving events to professional workshops, she has collaborated with staff and students to design programs that create community. She is especially excited about the building’s new common spaces, which she believes will spark friendships and collaboration.
“One of my biggest hopes students take away from Campbell hall is the friends they made, because personally, it’s been the biggest thing the Honors college gave me: the friends I made for life,” said Perakam. “I want them to have the same thing and making friends within the same community that understand what you are going through and can support you through it is very important. And honors college already provides that community.”
An Incubator for Ideas
For Imad, a junior economics major from Bangladesh, the Honors College has been nothing short of transformative. From her first year at MSU, she immersed herself in volunteering, research and leadership opportunities. She now works as a student assistant in the Honors College.
During her time at MSU, Imad has earned numerous honors, including being selected as a Fellow for Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights’ John Lewis Young Leaders program. She conducted research through the Women’s Leadership Institute and the Tomlanovich-Diamon Research Fund and received the Spartan Volunteer Service Award, the MSU Outreach and Engagement Award, and the Schoenl Grant from the Honors College. The Schoenl Grant allowed her to expand the work of her nonprofit in Bangladesh and support women who survived human trafficking. With those funds, she helped thirty women gain financial independence through vocational training and mental health support.
“Having financial leverage meant I could expand the program and change lives. Women could afford food, send their children to school and begin careers of their own,” said Imad. “Belonging, to me, in the Honors College means being surrounded by individuals who are actively progressing toward the betterment of our community here in Michigan and around the world.”
Speaking at the Campbell Hall ribbon cutting ceremony, Imad described the building as an “incubator for ideas.” To her, that phrase captures how the new space will nurture student creativity, collaboration and belonging.
“Campbell Hall is an environment where students can come on their own terms and have a space to connect and share their ideas. It is a place for incubating those ideas and learning from different perspectives,” Imad said. “As an international student who’s exposed to a wide range of ideas and values, that experience has deepened my own reflections. Having those spaces where you are encouraged to be vocal and pursue paths you believe in is genuinely incredible.”
Looking ahead, Imad hopes future students feel that same sense of belonging and inspiration when they walk through Campbell Hall’s doors.
“I hope they know they’re at the forefront of so many opportunities and resources available to them, and I hope they take advantage of it,” said Imad. “I hope they know there is a team of people that celebrate them and are truly cheering them on. I am so grateful we have Campbell Hall. It represents what the Honors College student body holds dear: exploring curiosity, innovating and trying to make the world a better place through community.”
Spartans Will
Campbell Hall is more than a historic building brought back to life. It is a living symbol of MSU’s past, present, and future. A place where legacy and innovation meet. For students like Perakam and Imad, it represents belonging, possibility and the courage to imagine new futures. For the Honors College and REHS, it is proof of what collaboration can achieve when driven by a shared commitment to student success.
As the next generation of Spartans fills its hallways with ideas, friendships and discoveries, Campbell Hall will continue to nurture leaders who embody the spirit of “Who Will? Spartans Will.” In its restored walls, students will find a home where community thrives and dreams take root.
“The motto is: Who will? Spartans will,” said Imad. “To be a Spartan who will go out and change the world, you need courage. I think the Honors College puts you in a position to build that courage.”