Hazel-Pruitt Armory features new spaces for the Shenandoah Center for Immersive Learning – SU’s state-of-the-art virtual reality, augmented reality and extended reality design studio – and classrooms for the university’s cybersecurity, engineering and virtual reality design programs, home to our Esports competition area among others. The building also allows for the expansion of Shenandoah’s Veterans, Military and Families Center, which will provide the university’s military-affiliated students with comprehensive educational support and opportunities in high-demand technology fields.
The HIVE’s Emerging Media Lab and Makerspace provide Shenandoah students, faculty and staff with access to technologies such as 3D printing and digital design, as well as maker tools and electronics prototyping. A future goal for this space includes expanded access to community members. The Center for Trust offers SU students cutting-edge research opportunities in the fields of cybersecurity, data analytics and blockchain technology, and the Center for Transformative Learning will advance SU’s faculty capacity and provide learning opportunities in the region.
The Hazel-Pruitt Armory, home of the HIVE, is named in honor of two longtime supporters – the family of William A. Hazel, Sr. and Cecil Pruitt, Jr. – whose contributions played significant roles in helping Shenandoah realize its vision for the historic building. The name also pays homage to the building’s history, as it served as an armory and local headquarters for the Virginia Army National Guard for nearly 70 years before it was vacated in 2009.
