The University of Mary Hardin- Baylor’s new Mayborn Campus Center is part of the university’s capital and endowment campaign, “Challenge Beyond 2000.” The center provides the university with much-needed space for student recreation and wellness. The Mabee Health and Physical Education Center, which previously served as a home to athletics and physical education, was too small to be used for competitions and other events. With a current enrollment of 2,400 students, the university’s objective was to create a new facility that could be expanded as the student body grows. The university also sought to promote student body activity and recreation, and to enhance student retention.
The Mayborn Center features two connected buildings, one facing east and one facing west. The west-side entrance features two-story white columns and all-glass doors leading into the lobby of a 2,500-seat arena.
The arena features a 1⁄8-mile jogging track surrounding its upper deck. Additional components of the Mayborn Center include the 4,500-square-foot Brentham Fitness Center, containing state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment, an entertainment system and free weights; an aerobics room with suspended wood flooring; a recreational gymnasium for intramural sports; a natatorium with an adjacent 25-yard sun deck; a student lounge with a full juice/smoothie bar; and academic classrooms and labs.
The Mayborn Center raises the university’s profile within the state of Texas and has the potential to draw large sporting events to the school and community.
