VALDOSTA, Ga. (WCTV) - Valdosta State University’s Education Center is getting a huge makeover thanks to a $5 million check from Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.

The Education Center is VSU’s largest department, but the university says the building is one of the most neglected on campus. Now, with help from state leaders, the school is ready to make some much-needed enhancements.

The building hasn’t had any renovations since 1970, and Dr. David Slykhuis, dean of the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services, noted several classrooms with cracked walls, low lighting and outdated technology.

Slykhuis said they hope construction will start next spring, but in the meantime, they will take time planning out necessary changes.

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VSU’s College of the Arts has also received $1.2 million from two big supporters of the program, Cecil and Marilyn Miller. The money will be split amongst several art and music programs, all going toward scholarships, outreach initiatives and more.

Dean Nicole Cox said the money will help students focus solely on their passions at school.

Faculty will meet next month to discuss the framework for these scholarships, including amounts, GPA requirements and other factors.

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