McCool Hall has been home for the College since alumnus E. B. “Dutch” McCool, a founder of the Holiday Inn Motel chain, provided funding in the early 1970s to match funds approved by the Mississippi Legislature. Since that time the College has added nearly a dozen undergraduate and graduate programs, increased enrollments, and provided additional outreach, research, and service activities.
Because the business building is located on the western edge of the historic Drill Field, expansion of McCool will provide the University
with additional centrally located classrooms. An atrium will connect the existing building with the new structure, which will house additional
classrooms, offices, and a new auditorium.
“Additional space and facilities are a key element to the College’s strategic plan and the new business complex will provide the
environment for an outstanding College of Business and Industry for the 21st century,” said Dean Sara Freedman. “The new complex is
essential to enhancing our excellent academic programs, research, and outreach. It also will allow us to incorporate the latest teaching
methods and technologies and provide a student-oriented structure, which will have a positive impact on students and visitors,” Freedman
added.