Past, Present, and Future: ADUC

A building that all are familiar with, is the Adron Doran University Center, or as most know it, “ADUC.”

 As the building undergoes a renovation and expansion, we can reflect on what this multi-purpose facility has provided for MSU and what it will offer generations to come.

Built in 1956 on the site of the first campus building, this three-story building has already been expanded two previous times; once in 1969 and once in 2005.  ADUC was originally known as the Doran Student House, and was named in honor of Dr. Adron Doran, the seventh president of the University, who served from 1954 to 1977. 

During his 23-year tenure as President of Morehead State University, Dr. Adron Doran brought the former state college to university status and oversaw a building program that changed the skyline of the Rowan County town that gave its name to the school.

He became President in 1954, retiring in 1977 with the title of President Emeritus. From 1952-54, he had been secretary of the Kentucky Council on Public Higher Education and director of the Division of Teacher Education and Certification for the Kentucky State Department of Education. For a year previous he had been visiting professor of education at the University of Georgia.

Doran also was a minister of the Church of Christ, and was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives four times (1943-51). He was Speaker of the House from 1950 to 1951. He was a member of the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission (1943-44 and 1950-51), a participant in the White House Conference on Education of the Disadvantaged in 1966, the White House Conference on Education, 1955 and 1965, and Chairman of the N.E.A. Legislative Commission in 1966.

ADUC has been home to numerous student operations, including the offices of Student Success, Student Government Association, Student Programming Board, Disability Services, Multicultural Student Services, Conference Services, Student Activities and Greek Life, and the Office of University Outreach.  It has also housed the University Post Office, the University Bookstore, and various meeting rooms.  

Dining services were located on the second floor with Aramark, Starbucks, Taco Bell, catering, and more.

With the newest renovation and expansion to the ADUC, the facility will nearly double in size over a 22-month period.  The project will increase student services and amenities on campus with more restaurant-style accommodations, extended hours, and a modern atmosphere for students to collaborate and have a truly invaluable experience while at MSU.

Once it re-opens, ADUC will provide a theater to serve for orientation of new students and a space for current students to use for events and meetings.  A sports pub and tech lounge will offer new experiences that students can incorporate into their college experience.  There will be multiple dining lounges for students and expanded eatery options. These include a Steak ‘n’ Shake, Which Which, Moe’s, a coffee lounge, and a Brick Oven Pizza Parlor – adding to the several already favorite options offered by Aramark. 

A Business Center, Admissions and Welcome Center, Card Services, and an expanded space for student life and activities will make this facility better than anything MSU has offered.

The addition to ADUC will also create an outdoor area for students to gather, highlighting the beauty of the geographic location in the heart of Daniel Boone National Forrest.  This is the first step in creating a “Great Lawn” area that will provide a pedestrian friendly campus.

MSU is offering much more in terms of student and faculty experience with facilities improvements that are turning our campus into one that is truly state-of-the-art.  The excitement for this expansion project is most definitely obvious and will only draw more anticipation with progress.  Stay tuned for all the updates!

ADUC 1967

ADUC before renovation

ADUC after renovation

Past, Present, and Future: Rader Hall

As we continue our look back in the history of Morehead State University facilities, we now examine a building that sits on the original crescent of University Boulevard.  Rader Hall, built in 1925 is a three-story classroom and office building that houses the office of the Dean of the Caudill College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Department of History, Philosophy and Religion; Department of Sociology, Social Work and Criminology; and the Exelbirt Seminar Room. 

This historic building, named after former faculty member and administrator Dr. Clifford Rader, was renovated and expanded in 1970.  The renovation included the removal of the original exterior and imposed a complete facelift of the facility to bring it into that decade.

Originally, Rader Hall was simply known as the administrative building, housing administrative offices up until the completion of the Howell-McDowell Building constructed just across the street in 1963.  After administrative purposes were relocated, the old administrative building was directed for re-design to house the Social Sciences.  At the time, Dr. Clifford Rader was the Divisional Chairman and passed away shortly after.  In his honor, the former administrative building was to be named “Rader Hall.”

According to Dr. C. Nelson Grote, “Dr. Rader was not only a professional person, he was also a fine craftsman.  He made steel knives, which he gave to his dinner guests, and he also was a musician and played the banjo.” 

Years after his death, his wife donated two of his instruments to MSU including a crafted banjo with ivory inlays and carvings.  Not only is Dr. Rader honored through name of the building, but he is forever enshrined on the memorial plaza in the center of campus for his 17 years of faithful service to Morehead State University.

It is unreal the history that lies in the brick that houses our education.  With a little bit of atmospheric understanding, appreciation and pride can exponentially rise for students here at MSU. 

The old Administrative Building (1926)

Rader Hall, today