MSU receives multi-million-dollar gift naming new residence hall
As Morehead State University moves forward with revitalizing its campus, it is focusing on improving the on-campus living experience for current and future students.
MSU is building a new 80,000-square-foot residence hall that will house 310 students across four floors. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in October and construction is currently underway.
The MSU Board of Regents recently approved the naming of this new residence hall Prefontaine Hall in honor of Andy Prefontaine (Class of 1971) and family. Prefontaine is a loyal Eagle and a long-time supporter of MSU. The founder and CEO of Family Leisure in Indianapolis, he is also a board trustee for the MSU Foundation and a 2016 inductee to the MSU Alumni Hall of Fame.
“I’ve always been passionate about my alma mater, where memories and lifelong friends were built,” said Andy Prefontaine.
Andy and his wife, Debbie created an endowed scholarship in 2016 and have generously supported several athletic facility renovation projects, including baseball, softball, basketball and football. The couple's most recent gift commitment to name Prefontaine Hall will grow their scholarship endowment and assist with providing scholarships for recruitment and retention.
"Andy and Debbie Prefontaine have been tremendous supporters of Morehead State University. As an alumnus, board member and donor, Andy has supported the University with his time, treasure and talent for many years," said MSU President Dr. Jay Morgan. "MSU is honored to have the Prefontaines’ commitment to this extraordinary act of generosity. The Prefontaines are inspiring role models as business leaders and philanthropists. We could not be more grateful for their ongoing dedication to the University and its students.”
The new Prefontaine Hall will be at the corner of Martindale Drive and Henry Ward Place, across the street from the Space Science Center. Completion is planned for Spring 2026.
Vice President for Student Affairs Russell Mast said the new hall will feature an open-style lobby area, a lounge space, and a central kitchen adjacent to the lobby. The rooms will primarily be four-person suites with a shared bathroom.
Mast said the Student Government Association (SGA) was actively involved in the design of Prefontaine Hall, and he has heard nothing but positive comments from students. Senior political science major Brady Lawson of Ezel is SGA president and serves at the student regent on MSU’s Board of Regents. He said students are very eager to see new projects like Prefontaine Hall come to campus.
"A new residence hall is the perfect opportunity to focus on building the student community and experience that so many of our students desire. SGA is grateful for the opportunity to have had a seat at the table and ensure that the student perspective was considered in the designs,” Lawson said. “As a student myself, I know that this residence hall demonstrates Morehead State University’s commitment to marching our campus forward and watching our students soar higher.”
Morehead State also plans to construct a second new residence hall. This project will house approximately 80 students and will be located near the existing Normal Hall. Normal Hall, originally constructed in 1967, will be razed over the summer. The new hall will be similar in architecture to the new Prefontaine Hall and construction is expected to begin this summer.
“I am so pleased to see MSU expanding their residence hall options. Living on campus was an amazing experience. I hope all the projects happening on campus will inspire more students to consider MSU as their university,” said Prefontaine. “My potential would not have been unleashed without Morehead State University, where Eagles soar.”
Find information about this and other ongoing campus revitalization projects at www.moreheadstate.edu/forward.
