GURLEY HALL STUDENT EXPERIENCE RENOVATIONS

Gurley Hall is a cornerstone of student life at the University of New Mexico Gallup Branch Campus, and this project represents a significant reinvestment in its role as the academic and social heart of the university. The renovation advances long-standing campus goals to enhance student experience, improve clarity of circulation, and strengthen Gurley Hall’s presence as a welcoming campus gateway.

The project reimagines both arrival and interior experience. Exterior improvements create a clearer, more intuitive approach through a new vehicular roundabout, enhanced pedestrian connections, and integrated landscape elements that reinforce Gurley Hall’s identity as the primary hub of campus activity. These updates establish a stronger campus presence while improving accessibility and wayfinding for students and visitors alike.

Interior renovations focus on openness, flexibility, and connection, with targeted updates to departmental layouts, finishes, and support spaces. The central lobby and commons are re-envisioned as student-oriented environments that encourage informal gathering and collaboration. Departments are reorganized to support both a centralized Student Resource Center and a Native American Student Resource Center, creating visible and accessible destinations for student services. Revitalized areas for tutoring, CAL, and TRIO programs further strengthen academic support, while expanded student amenities—including a new food pantry and shared breakroom—address essential daily needs. Improvements also extend to campus police facilities, enhancing functionality and safety. Together, these upgrades position Gurley Hall to better serve the evolving needs of students, faculty, and staff while reinforcing its role at the heart of campus life.