News

University opens doors to education

"I like it so much better," said Dr. Peggy Redman, director of teacher education, about her new office space in the Barkley Building which now houses the University's Education Department. Although the parking lot is still under construction, the Department is taking advantage of the classroom space for spring courses. / photo by Isela Peña
“I like it so much better,” said Dr. Peggy Redman, director of teacher education, about her new office space in the Barkley Building which now houses the University’s Education Department. Although the parking lot is still under construction, the Department is taking advantage of the classroom space for spring courses. / photo by Isela Peña

by Angelica Martinez
Features Editor

After 15 years of being situated in the Mainiero Building, the University of La Verne’s Education Department has found a new home.

Located on First and D streets, the Barkley Building has opened its doors for students and staff of the University’s Education Department.

The building, dedicated on Jan. 23, was completed by Laird Construction earlier this year. Though minor adjustments, such as the installment of some electrical outlets, still need to be made, the building is fully usable and accessible. In addition, the accompanying parking lot which is connected to the building has yet to be finished. Its completion is scheduled for some time in March, according to Dr. Tom McGuire, Education Department chair.

With four classrooms adjacent to the new offices, students have easier access to instructors and the department’s staff.

Jessica Hunter, senior diversified major and workstudy student for the Education Department, said “the facilities have more to offer,” even though “the Education Department has always fulfilled students needs.”

In comparison to their “once cramped offices” said Hunter, the new building offers better space and organization for professors and the department.

Dr. McGuire said the new building “fulfills the University’s mission [because] it prepares and enables us to do a better job.”

Dr. Peggy Redman, director of teacher education at ULV, said the building was completed with a combination of efforts.

Both University officials and representatives from the Rio Hondo Foundation, with the help of former Board of Trustees member Roger Barkley, to discuss funding and planning for the project.

Officials met with donors to propose an idea for a new education building. After a series of meetings, donations were contributed and construction was begun last summer.

Renovated from what was the University’s library until 1995, the building boasts large classrooms and modern technology such as VCRs, monitors and overhead projectors. However, the primary asset is the space.

“It is very nice. I think they did a terrific job,” said Dr. McGuire. “They turned a warehouse and made it this.

“We have more storage room; there is no faculty sharing offices and we have room for files. With credential programs, we have lots of files.”

Marie Duncan, an administrative aid for the Education Department, is also satisfied with the new building. Duncan said that the new building provides an easier place in which to work.

“We have counters here compared to desks. Everyone has loved it. Now we have lots of space,” said Duncan.

“Professors can prepare for their classes and students are next to their professors.”

There have been many positive remarks from the students. Hunter said, however, that the only concern is that of parking.

“Students have had problems parking. Most workers [for the Education Department] get here early enough to get parking. But there have been some student complaints,” she said.

The Department hopes the completion of the building’s parking lot will help alleviate any parking inconveniences that students and staff may currently experience.

Angelica Martinez
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Isela Peña
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