Student Affairs News

Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center to open August 2017

Department: Division of Student Affairs

After three years of planning and construction, the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center will open this August on the south end of campus. The uniquely designed building, inspired by the vision of President Elson Floyd, is the outcome of significant collaboration between students, staff, faculty, architects, designers and community members. 

“This is a safe space for everyone, and hopefully it will encourage visitors to take the opportunity to educate themselves about the intersectionality of diversity present on WSU’s campus,” said Griffin Uchida, coordinator of facilities and operations of the Cultural Center

The mission of the Center is to provide a supportive and welcoming place for the university and community to advance diversity and socially conscious research, engagement, outreach, and innovation.

Senior Associate Director Karee Shaw, who currently oversees building operations, notes that the facility is unlike any space on campus in terms of design and purpose.

“From the rolling design of the roof to the iconography in the knowledge rooms, this building speaks in many ways to WSU’s commitment to honoring and recognizing the diversity of the individuals represented here,” she said.  

The building features four themed knowledge rooms, an open living room area, and a commercial kitchen as well as an exterior meditation pavilion and outdoor plaza. The building also houses numerous art pieces, including bronze sculptures and paintings that speak to the cultural traditions represented throughout the space.

“This space really is for the students and for the community,” Uchida said. “It’s a space that will invite people to visit just to check it out.”

The Center will be open to visitors Monday through Friday. Spaces in the Center can also be reserved for events and organized meetings. Those wishing to schedule a space can email cultural.center@wsu.edu.

For additional information about the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center, visit culturalcenter.wsu.edu.