“The modernized classrooms, with their sleek white tables and updated seating, make the environment feel much more inviting,” says marketing major Erin Sampson ’26. “Instead of a place we have to go to, it feels like one we want to be in.”
The state and University System of New Hampshire allocated $30 million to the project, and a campaign goal of $8 million will support advanced technology common to industry and leading business schools. Renovations to date include updated building systems, most of which hadn’t been replaced since the building debuted in 1976, multiple classrooms, break-out rooms, an attractive business lounge, and common areas. State-of-the-art Finance Lab, Innovation Hub, and Entrepreneurship and Sales suites are on track for 2025.
“The study rooms are my favorite part,” says Sampson, membership director of the Marketing Association of Plymouth State (MAPS). “They make it easier for collaborations with other clubs and offer a professional setting for discussions and even business calls. Whether we’re reaching out to sponsors or potential business professionals for events, they provide a perfect space for those conversations.”
The importance of managers taking care of their employees is emphasized in Professor Bonnie Bechard’s Organizational Behavior and Team Development course, and as Bechard points out, “Students are our customers and they’ve been very patient. With the renovations in Hyde Hall, they see us taking care of them in ways that they haven’t been in the past.”
“I honestly feel the new spaces are bringing me closer to my students,” says Bechard. “Interactions are better and students are staying more engaged.”
Professor Chen Wu, coordinator of the MBA program, began his Economic Analysis course with guest presentations from the Academic and Career Advising Center (ACAC) and the University Advancement offices. Hyde’s new professional ambiance set the tone for discussions on business attire, networking, and job searching.
“In my Management and Decision Making class with Professor Fawn Ouellette ’96, the new classroom setup has transformed the learning experience,” says Sampson. “It fosters engagement and collaboration.”
“The layout is designed for interaction,” says Professor Roxana Wright. “In my undergraduate course, Strategy and Sustainable Competitive Advantage, students worked in teams with an external collaborator, who mentioned how much nicer the space is. In my graduate course, Operations Management, students enjoyed collaborating on everything we did, supporting and helping each other.”
“And the technology is great!” adds Wright, who finds it easier to highlight concepts and connect material. She also credits superior lighting and better sound-blocking windows for helping students focus.
“Students tell me that they can think better now,” says Teaching Lecturer and Business Academic Operations Director Melissa Ulery. “Before, they didn’t stay around after class, and now students want to be here. I see it even with my Tackling a Wicked Problem course, which has students from many different majors. Now they’re staying after class to study. This is going to be great place to show potential students, that’s for sure, once it’s done.”
“It’s really kind of amazing,” agrees Bechard. “I had a student whose friend came in just to say hello, and the friend wound up staying for the entire class because he was interested in what was going on.”
“It’s not just students hanging out,” Bechard continues, “but business and community partnerships collaborating with students. This will be the hub for engagement, collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship.”
Bechard teaches Social Entrepreneurship, where students often come up with ideas for new social ventures. “After the course ends, the ideas often end as well,” she says. “But with the new collaborative spaces, I think they’re going to find other students to collaborate with to continue their ideas.”
Alumni have always been welcome to Hyde, but the building’s previous condition didn’t draw them in. Now Panther graduates are spotted more frequently, socializing and networking if not engaged in formal visits.
Bechard cited recent presentations in Hyde by Ryan Salvaggi, a business development specialist with the Guardian Recovery Network, and Sean Brown, COO of the Common Man Family of Restaurants, as examples of an encouraging trend. Ulery emphasized, “More faculty are bringing in external partners, when before, they would book a room outside of the building.”
“There’s excitement of seeing what’s to come,” says Bechard. “Renovating Hyde Hall is like a dream come true in terms of what it means for the faculty, the students, and our community partners.
“This is the beginning of something really great!” ■ Peter Lee Miller
Visit https://www.plymouth.edu/giving/hyde-hall/ for more information on the Hyde Hall transformation.
“Plymouth State gave me so much — my best friends and lessons that have led to my business success. I’m proud to give back and excited for what this renovation will mean for students.”
Business owner, consultant, and PSU Wrestling Head Coach, Ryan Carr ’00, has made a pledge of $50,000 toward the transformation of Hyde Hall, and the recently completed Board Room will feature recognition for his generosity.