Northern Kentucky University officially opened its new $3.1 million Welcome Center on Thursday, cutting the ribbon on a new and improved center, a place for current and incoming students to step through the doors and feel at home.
“From a glass box in a parking lot to a bright space in the heart of campus, this renovation brings NKU’s vibrancy to life. It reflects our commitment to student success, personal growth, and community impact,” President Cady Short-Thompson said.
The center, originally located near the Welcome Center parking garage, once shared a building with NKU’s parking office, and was in need of an upgrade. The event, held in the University Center, brought together faculty, staff, students and alumni, to celebrate the 10-month long renovation.
Inside the center, visitors will find upgraded technology, modernized lighting, and the Otto M. Budig Theater, which will continue to serve as a place for admissions sessions and events. A three-story luminaire inspired by NKU’s flame, gold paneling and a Victor E. Viking mural showcase the university’s identity, turning the lobby into a gathering place that highlights school spirit.
“This new Welcome Center is more than a space, it’s an experience. Prospective students and families will connect with our admissions team in a more personal way while also providing an engaging first look at what it means to be a proud Norse,” said Brian Padgett, NKU’s chief strategic enrollment management officer.
Padgett said NKU designed the Welcome Center to stand out in a competitive higher education environment. While other universities might rely on high-profile athletics or flashy amenities to attract students, he said, NKU’s advantage is rooted in relationships.
“Competition for students is fierce,” Padgett said. “We need to provide an immersive, personalized experience from the very first step on campus. This center makes that possible.”
The new Welcome Center also ties into NKU’s mission to recruit and foster students while keeping higher education affordable. The university has introduced a direct admit program, eliminated application fees, and continues to highlight its national ranking as 29th in the nation for return on investment.
“Education is an opportunity to open doors for people and communities,” Short-Thompson said. “This center will be where those doors open, literally and figuratively, for future Norse.”
As the ceremony came to a close, faculty, students, and alumni admired the facility. Many stopped under the towering flame, taking photos near the Viking mural or chatting amongst one another in the new lobby. For NKU, the building is meant to be more than a starting point for a campus visit; it’s a place to build relationships and show visitors what it means to be part of the Norse community.
“We don’t just want students to see the campus, we want them to feel the community. That’s the experience that makes people choose NKU,” Padgett said