A look at the history of Allgood Hall

By Rakiyah Lenon | Co-editor in chief

Thomas Allgood and his wife Thelma died tragically in a plane crash near Daniel Field on Aug. 4, 2000. Even though he died while the hall named for him was being built, Mr. Allgood had major influence on shaping the campus to be what it is today.

Allgood Hall has been a presence within the Summerville Campus since its opening in 2002, although some students might not be aware of the building’s origins or history. The building, which is named in honor of the Allgoods, holds interesting history of the evolution of the university as well as its growth.

William Bloodworth, president emeritus of Augusta State University and professor of English and American studies, explained the fundamental need for the establishment of the building as well as its origins.

“When I arrived in 1993, all classes were held in warehouse-style buildings that had been built right before and early in World War II,” he said.

Historically, the Summerville Campus itself was a part of the Augusta branch of The United States Arsenal.

Bloodworth explained that Mr. Allgood, an attorney, former state senator of Georgia and member of the University System Board of Regents, vouched in support of his alma mater and was influential in persuading the Board of Regents to provide adequate funding for buildings on campus.

“Mr. Allgood was especially instrumental in convincing the Board of Regents to fund new buildings here,” he said. “With his support, we obtained funding for the science building, Allgood Hall and University Hall, which completely transformed the campus.”

According to Bloodworth, creating new establishments on campus was key to students achieving academic success, therefore allowing for an even greater investment.

“It was a major step forward in creating a physical campus that our students had long deserved,” he said.

The way in which students and faculty interact outside of the classroom can vary from campus to campus in colleges. It is not uncommon for faculty offices to be set apart from where students reside.

Bloodworth explained the focus in choosing to build Allgood Hall in a way that would create an environment in which students and their professors can interact.

“Students can think about the way the building is arranged, with classrooms in the center and faculty offices on the other side of the hallways. We designed the building in such a manner to facilitate student-faculty contact,” Bloodworth said.

While the interior of the building serves the purpose for education and study amongst students, the architecture of Allgood Hall exhibits qualities specific to the area.

“The exterior appearance of the building was modeled after and reflective of residential architecture in Summerville,” Bloodworth said.

With nearly two decades of existence, more than just a building and even more than just a name is the history that reflects upon one of Summerville’s most prestigious buildings – Allgood Hall.

Allgood Hall provides space for students to make academic progress. At the top of page, Allgood Hall stands noticeable among campus buildings. (photos by Rakiyah Lenon)

Contact Rakiyah Lenon at rlenon@augusta.edu.