Wilson’s Landing makes changes to DAH lobby

Wilson’s Landing is a new destination on the second floor of the Davisson American Heritage Building. 

Still under construction, Wilson’s Landing is making its way to becoming a spacious lounge for students and office space for faculty members. With new chairs and tables spaced out for social distancing, students can sit and get work done before class.  

Wilson’s Landing is an approximately $55,000 project funded by donors. It includes a new ceiling grid and acoustic tiles, LED lighting, updated wall finishes, the opening of a brick wall with storefront windows and new furniture.

Along with the update to Wilson’s Landing, two of the upstairs classrooms in DAH were updated. 

Tina Winn, the Division Chair of Education, Behavioral and Social Sciences, explained some of the renovations. To create space, construction knocked down a wall. 

Winn also gave insight into Jim Wilson, whose family donated the funds for this project. According to Winn, Wilson was a loved faculty member at Oklahoma Christian.

“[Wilson] was a faculty member here during the ‘70s and ‘80s, and he was a history and political science professor and a chair of behavioral and social sciences,” Winn said. “The intent of the donors was to make the lobby area and the reception area more open and inviting and a better space for the students.”

Wilson’s Landing includes your typical vending machine with soda and snacks.

Trey Orndorff, the Program Chair for Behavioral and Social Sciences, also gave insight into why the area was named Wilson’s Landing. 

“It is actually named Wison’s Landing because one of his famous sayings is ‘What‘s the biggest political issue? It’s the land, it’s the land.’” 

Orndorff said he is excited DAH is getting a lift, since it is one of the oldest buildings on campus.

Chief Operating Officer John Hermes said the project will be completed within two to three weeks.

“We have had some manufacturing delays related to the glass storefront that will close in the reception area outside the Division Chair’s office,” Hermes said.