Centennial Snippets - Housing & Residential Life

• Rutledge Hall
  • It was the first residence hall built in 1911 on the campus of what was then called Middle Tennessee Normal.
  • This women's residence hall was named for its first dorm hostess, Emma Rutledge.
  • There was no indoor plumbing.
  • Construction costs were paid by Rutherford County and the city of Murfreesboro.
  • There was a 10 o'clock curfew with lights out at 10:30.
• Cummings Hall
  • This residence hall was named for former state senator Jim Cummings.
  • The 1973 yearbook says that the parking lot behind Cummings Hall was a popular place to take a date on Saturday night.
  • In 2011 this parking lot gave way to new construction sites: the College of Education and Student Union buildings.
• Smith Hall
  • It was built in 1951 to accommodate 200 men.
• Jones Hall
  • This residence hall was constructed in 1921 for women but later became a men's hall.
  • Prior to 1921 male students commuted or lived in a nearby house, the Kittrell home on Main Street.
  • Jones Hall was named for R. L. Jones, the university's first president.
  • Jones Hall is now home to offices and classrooms.
• Corlew Hall
  • It was named for Dr. Robert Corlew, a history professor and former Vice President for Academic Affairs.
• Beasley Hall
  • This residence hall was once known as the "athletic dorm" as it housed most of the university's athletes.
• Vet Village
  • In 1946 the university received federal funds to move buildings from military bases to campus.
  • This was where families of veterans of World War II lived.
• Trailer Town
  • Married students lived here.
  • It was located on the east side of camups with Vet Village.
  • These were privately owned house trailers.
  • It had a mayor and a community grocery with a recreation room inside.
• Cable television was made available to the residence halls in 1987.
  • In 1992 cable was in every room with no additional charge to students.
• Evolution of Housing costs:
  • In 1912 furnished rooms cost $10 per month.
  • In 1982 costs were $455 per semester.
  • In 1985 the cost was $472 per semester.
  • Current costs vary depending on the residence hall and whether rooms are shared or private.
    • Prices range from $1,796 - $4,448 per semester.
• Ivan Shewmake was a former Director of Housing.
  • He brought about the idea of personalizing residence hall rooms.
    • The 1984 yearbook says "the concept turned stark rooms into something very unique."
    • Rooms and hallways were allowed to be painted.
    • Floors could be retiled with designs.
    • Certain guidelines had to be followed.
• Dr. Debra Sells replaced Ivan as director in 1996.
  • She is the current Vice President for Student Affairs, Enrollment & Academic Services.
• Sarah Sudak, current Dean of Students, replaced Dr. Sells as Director of Housing.
• Andy Bickers is the current Director.

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