As part of its ongoing strategic investments in the campus, the College is undertaking a series of major capital improvements to its facilities and infrastructure that support our academic programs and provide modern learning spaces. The Umbeck Science-Mathematics Center (SMC), the  T. Fleming Fieldhouse, and Seymour Library are undergoing renovations and updates to improve each facility. In addition, Knox College is undergoing a network refresh to improve campus wireless connectivity, as well as installing a new campus boiler.

“As an historic campus, investments in academic buildings and infrastructure are crucial to ensuring that teaching and learning take place in modern, state-of-the-art facilities,” said President C. Andrew McGadney.

Umbeck Science-Mathematics Center

Work recently began on a $12 million SMC renovation, partnering with two regional companies, RATIO Design and Russell. With funding from a $10 million grant from the State of Illinois’ Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the renovation primarily will focus on the building’s C-Wing, which houses chemistry classrooms and laboratories, common spaces, and faculty offices, as well as on building-system upgrades.

“Knox is grateful to the Department of Commerce and Economic  Opportunity for its investment in Knox, the State of Illinois for its  investment in higher education across the state, and our partners, RATIO and Russell, as we embark on this transformative capital project,” said President McGadney.

The renovation project will run through March 2027 and is being carried out in phases; phase 1 focuses on the basement and second floor and is expected to conclude in December 2026. Meanwhile, the College is converting the former registrar space in D-Wing into an environmental science lab. This work is localized to the space and is anticipated to be completed for fall term 2026.

You can follow the renovation progress at www.knox.edu/smcrenovation.

T. Fleming Fieldhouse

The T. Fleming Fieldhouse received an upgrade this summer with the replacement of its indoor surface. Originally installed in 1991 as the first fieldhouse of its kind in the area, the surface’s  renewal reflects long-term stewardship of one of Knox’s most heavily used spaces and prepares it for the next generation of Prairie Fire student-athletes. This $800,000 project will directly benefits the Knox community by supporting a range of daily activities, from daily fitness to organized competition and club sports, and it provides a safe, year-round indoor space for active living. Similar to the Prats Field lighting project completed in fall 2025, the T. Fleming Fieldhouse surface renewal was chosen for its broad campus impact. Renovations began on June 8 were and completed in time for the start of fall term. 

Seymour Library

Work to enclose the Harper Andrews Forum and Mitchell Microfilm Area on the first floor of the library will turn the space into a full classroom. The $330,000 project will provide a more focused learning environment for students in their own space within the Seymour Library. Work began this summer and will be concluded in fall term. 

Wireless Infrastructure & Central Plant Upgrades

As part of a Network Refresh Project, the College has begun cabling in buildings and installing new wireless access points, which are broadcasting updated WiFi with updated functionality. In total, this $1.5 million upgrade will increase network speed, stability, and coverage across campus. Knox is also collaborating with the Farnsworth Group on design for the replacement of the  central heating plant absorber and boiler. The project will replace end-of-life infrastructure with $4-million in upgrades that are more efficient, provide redundancy, and offer additional capacity for other HVAC improvements in the future.

The projects currently underway are the latest investments of nearly $40-million in capital  improvements the College has made to the main campus in Galesburg and the Green Oaks  campus in Victoria, Illinois, over the last five years. These improvements and investments are guided by the College’s plan to improve the student experience, increase accessibility, and preserve its historic campus.