USI’s suburban 1,400-acre campus falls short when it comes to history but offers modern amenities.
The university’s various architecture and creative landscaping is different from other campuses across the globe.
Lead Groundskeeper Brad Robb witnessed the campus transform over the years.
“It is definitely a unique campus,” said Robb, who graduated from USI in 1996. “It seems like everything on campus is within walking distance, which is unlike a lot of other campuses I’ve seen. There are a lot of local people, which helps build a well-made community, but also enough people from around the world to keep it diverse. You will always know somebody. It’s a more personable campus then others I’ve been to.”
One distinctive building is the Business and Engineering Center. Its 122,210 square feet are comprised of 11,470-square feet of communal space, including the O’Daniel Atrium, the Vectren Lakeside Study Lounge and smaller lounges on each level.
“The Business and Engineering Center is one of the most impressive buildings I’ve ever seen,” Robb said.
A majority of USI students commute.
“I think it’s important for incoming freshman to live on campus to get the full experience,” Robb said.
It is widely agreed that the Cone is the most unique building on campus, and no other campus has anything quite like it. The 97-foot structure towers above the campus and embodies all of the student cultural organizations at the university.
“A lot of other college campuses are very traditional, meaning a lot of older style halls and buildings,” said AJ Jones, sophomore theatre major. “But USI stands out because of how modern our buildings look.”
USI went beyond the typical clock tower, Jones said.
Students, faculty and community members enjoy the scenery on a three-mile paved trail that links USI’s campus to Burdette Park.
The Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center isn’t like fitness facilities people might find on other college campuses, either.
It covers nearly 100,000 square feet of space where students interact with each other, work out and now, with the addition of the computer labs, do homework.
“When students come and they see how unique USI is,” Jones said. “They can fit in and thrive.”