New Space, New Face

Tucked away on a small corner of Indiana State's campus at Eighth and Eagle streets, the African American Cultural Center has gone through some significant changes.

Along with a newly renovated building to better serve students, the AACC also welcomed a new director, Stephanie Jefferson.

"It was in the works when I came here from the University of Illinois-Chicago," said Jefferson, who has held her post at the center for three months. "We wanted to create an environment where anyone from any group could come, relax and learn more about the culture around them."

The center underwent a major overhaul, with new furniture, new carpeting and a new outlook for the 2010-11 school year.

"I have met some extremely wonderful people in my short time in Terre Haute," said Jefferson, who served as the Assistant Dean for Recruitment at the University of Illinois-Chicago. "I hope that I can serve at least twenty five to thirty percent of the school population in order to give back the kindness that I have received."

Along with the fresh coat of paint, the AACC has also added programs to serve the Indiana State community.

It is now home to the Black Student Union, Ebony Majestic Choir, Student Academic Services, which teaches students various study skills, and the NAACP branch at ISU.

Housing these organizations is just one part of the center's efforts to gather more attention of more of the student body.

The effort is also part of the plan to modernize Indiana State's image through renovating old buildings.

The African American Cultural Center is ready to make an impact on the student population this year.

With a new look, new furniture and a new focus, the staff hopes that everyone will be able to notice that new building smell when they come to visit.