Elevator lifts hopes for future campus accessibility
Written by Ashley Young - News Editor | 
One of Methodist University’s oldest buildings has finally received the lift it has needed. After months of construction, the Trustees Building received several upgrades, including the completion of the much needed elevator at the south end of the building.
An extended canopy and an automatic-open door were also installed to go along with the elevator.
The Trustees Building was originally built in 1960, before federal laws required builders to accommodate the need for disability access in multi-level buildings. With many of the core classes needed to graduate located in Trustees, the need for an elevator was crucial.
Student put the elevator to use upon its opening.
On Tuesday Jan. 18, the elevator was marked “out of order,” after the elevator began making an irregular noise. Upon inspection and repair, technicians approved the elevator’s safety and the elevator was up and running again.
The previous pathway to access the top and bottoms floors of the Trustees was long and time consuming. People who could not use the stairs in Trustees had go around the ramp behind Trustees, down the long sidewalk and take a right by the side of Reeves Auditorium. Individuals would then have to follow that sidewalk, ride down the steep sidewalk that leads to the water fountain, take a right or left around the brickway and head down towards the long sidewalk between the library and Trustees that leads to the downstairs of Trustees. After that trip, they would then have to pry open the doors using one hand, which is especially difficult from a wheelchair or powerchair.
“It’s a good thing we finally have it!” said Pamela Randon, a junior who uses a powerchair.
The construction of the elevator installation cost $300,000, which came from the university cash reserve fund. The costs for the canopy and automatic door came from the university operating budget. Tuition costs will not be raised due to this project.
Vice President for Business Affairs, Gene Clayton supervises financial operations and helped in selection of a sight, design and building grounds for the elevator.
“First, the elevator will certainly assist those individuals who have difficulty getting around campus. It will allow them to get from the first floor to the second floor without having to circle around campus,” said Clayton. “Second, it makes Methodist more handicap accessible,” said Clayton.
Plans for future disability access improvements are currently on the being discussed.
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