Officials of Morehead State University along with members of its Board of Regents, local and state legislators held a dedication ceremony today (Friday, Nov. 11) for Padula Hall at the Derrickson Agricultural Complex (on KY 377 north of Morehead).
The 24-bed hall is dedicated in memory of Michael Padula, who was farm maintenance supervisor from 1989 until his death in 2012.
For 23 years, Padula was responsible for all maintenance at the farm including electrical, plumbing, carpentry and sewage treatment. He took complete ownership of these facilities. His pride in his work was obvious. In all, his day-to-day responsibilities were spread across 32 facilities, and he kept them all in outstanding condition.
“Today, we honor a great individual in Mike Padula,” said Wayne D. Andrews, MSU president. “Mike was very proud of the work done by the students here at the Derrickson Agricultural Complex and with the naming of this residential hall, his memory will live on."
The project was designed by Sherman Carter Barnhart of Lexington and built by Codell Construction of Winchester.
It was also announced that Haley Rogers, Paris sophomore, is the first recipient of the Mike Padula Memorial Scholarship.
A second residence hall (Lundergan Hall) at the Derrickson Agricultural Complex opened in 2015. At a cost of $2.7 million, the new residential facilities combined have 15,000 total square footage with 48 beds (six-person apartment style rooms) along with amenities that are conducive to farm learning/living environment. Both buildings offer Wi-Fi connectivity throughout.
The residence halls were funded with institutional bonds paid by rental fees from residents.
The projects are part of a comprehensive Campus Master Plan that focuses on meeting student, employee and community needs and expectations, and a 10-year program to improve student housing. Student housing at the Derrickson Agricultural Complex was identified as a key improvement area.
During Andrews’ tenure, MSU has completed the Center for Health, Education and Research; constructed the Equine Health Education Center at the Derrickson Agricultural Complex; launched the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics and MSUTeach; renovated a number of residence halls and opened the Recreation and Wellness Center; and has constructed a new parking garage which will also house a new dining facility once finished.
Additional information on MSU’s Department of Agricultural Sciences or Padula Hall is available by 606-783-2662 or visit http://www.moreheadstate.edu/agriculture
