Sarah Mead
Staff Writer
Emily Sheperd
Contributing Writer
The Murray State Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business has completed recent renovations of the financial markets classroom.
“This is a student-centered classroom space that really reflects our mission to equip Racers with the best academic environment we possibly can,” said David Eaton, interim dean of the College of Business, in a press release. “This space is one of many new and revitalized rooms in the business building that we’re excited to teach classes in.”
Murray State Foundation President David Durr said the undertaking and brainstorming for this project began over 10 years ago.
“We wanted a teaching lab/trading room where we could teach finance students with current tools and technology,” Durr said. “The room brings financial markets into the classroom. The room will motivate and inspire students to expand their understanding of financial markets.”
The renovations include an installation of new glass panel windows, a live stock market ticker to illustrate trends and an active learning center with mock-trading capability.
“It was completely renovated to showcase a high-finance touch of the College of Business,” said Timothy Todd, interim provost. “Concrete blocks were taken out and replaced with glass, so as you enter the main entrance of the Bauernfeind College of Business, you see this high-tech space.”
The classroom suite has tiered seats that can hold more than 40 people. The room will serve as a computer lab as well as an area to host scholarly presentations.
“Two large displays are mounted in the room that show other relevant financial data and financial/world news throughout the day,” Durr said. “Two electric screens and two projectors were added. A 98-inch TV is mounted at the front of the classroom. There is also a hidden/sliding whiteboard that can be used. There are multiple ways the instructor can present/project information to the students. There are also 44 laptops that are stored in the room for use in the class that can be used for the portfolio and for other classroom purposes.”
The space was designed to support current students and also recruit potential students.
“Part of this space is obviously focused on student learning, but there is a ‘front-door’ appeal to this space that will assist with marketing and recruitment efforts of the AJB-College of Business,” Durr said. “The capabilities created by this room support our current classes but make it possible to expand our course offerings for courses that will benefit from the technology the room provides.”
The project was funded by the dean of the Bauernfeind College of Business. Over the course of several years, they set aside funds for the project in a renovation account.
“We now have a beautiful room and a great naming opportunity for a donor,” Durr said. “We are actively seeking donor sponsorship for the room.”
This renovation was made possible by President Bob Jackson, Director of Facilities Management Jason Youngblood and Associate Director of Facilities Design and Construction Angela Lampe.
“This is a great addition to the Bauernfeind College of Business,” Durr said. “There are many people who have contributed to this successful project. As it should be, students will be the beneficiaries of the efforts, creativity and generosity of so many.”
