Stephens College to Close 2 Dormitories Amid Economic Strain

Searcy Hall is one of two residence halls that will close at Stephens College this year. (Photo courtesy Stephens College)

The Associated Press reported recently that economic pressures were forcing Stephens College, a women’s college in Columbia, Mo., to close two dormitories. The short story offers scant details, however.

A call to Stephens offered some clarity. Amy Gipson, a spokeswoman for the college, said that Prunty Hall and Searcy Hall, both built in the 1960s, will close at the end of the school year. In the 1960s, enrollment at Stephens was around 2,000; it is only about 750 today, up from around 440 in 2003. Wendy B. Libby, the college president, recently sent out a series of letters describing the college’s challenges in the current economic environment and how the institution may deal with them.

Ms. Gipson said that the college has reopened two residence halls that were built in the 1920s and recently renovated. But the college is not at capacity and has decided to close Prunty and Searcy to save money and to plan for their renovation, should enrollment continue to grow. However, no firms have been hired for the renovation project.