Lincoln University of Missouri Celebrates Grand Reopening of Dawson Hall

From left to right: Lincoln University Curators Terry Rackers, Vernon “Vitto” Bracey, President Victor Pasley, Tina Shannon, SGA President Jesse Canamore, Belinda Farrington, University President John Moseley, Richard Calahan, and Richard Popp participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremonies for Dawson Hall and the Scruggs University Center cafeteria renovations on Aug. 12.

Lincoln University of Missouri celebrated the grand reopening of Dawson Hall on Aug. 12, marking the completion of a $23 million renovation of the 10-story student residence hall. The state-of-the-art student living space is designed to support academic success, health and well-being. Upgrades include bright, glass-walled study nooks, a spacious first-floor lounge, a convenience store with grab-and-go dining options, an esports arena, enhanced sound insulation, and modern heating and cooling systems with individual thermostats.

Prior to the Dawson Hall ribbon-cutting, the University also celebrated the renovation and reopening of the Scruggs University Center cafeteria, also designed to enhance students' residential experience at Lincoln.

“There is so much to celebrate here today,” LU President John Moseley told the crowd gathered for the ribbon-cutting. “Tomorrow, as students move into this remarkable space, they’ll begin a new chapter — both in their own lives and in the life of Lincoln University.”

Originally opened in 1970 as Tower Hall and later renamed for former LU President Earl E. Dawson, the residence hall is the tallest building on campus. Lincoln closed the dormitory in 2023 and gutted the building for a complete makeover under the management of St. Louis contractors Grace Design Studios and SM Wilson construction company. In its new iteration, Dawson Hall will house 360 primarily first-year students in double-occupancy rooms.

“Here, (students) will find the comfort and support they need to succeed at Lincoln, while immersing themselves in our proud HBCU traditions, rich legacy, and vibrant student life,” said Student Government Association President Jesse Canamore, a senior at Lincoln, offering remarks about the new space on behalf of the LU student body.

Lincoln Board of Curators Chairman Vernon Pasley reflected on the project’s significance and recalled his dormitory days at Lincoln as a member of the class of 1968, when Earl Dawson was president of the university.

Curator Pasley addresses the crowd at the Aug. 12, 2025, Dawson Hall ribbon-cutting.

“When I was a student here, my expectations for housing were simple — I was just glad to have my own bed. Today’s students deserve and expect more, and Dawson Hall delivers on that promise,” Pasley said. “This project sets the standard for all future residence hall upgrades. Our goal was to create a world-class space where students can have fun, build community, and create lifelong memories, and I believe we have achieved exactly that.”

Moseley closed the ceremonies with a parental reminder for students. “Among the many, many fantastic upgrades to Dawson Hall are some beautiful glass-walled study rooms for you to focus on your main objective here: your academics and earning your degree.”

He noted, though, that fun has also been built into Dawson Hall as he ticked off such amenities as the big-screen TV in the lounge, order-in and to-go food and snack options, the esports arena and more, all in a safe and welcoming community environment.

“These features aren’t just about entertainment,” he said. “They’re part of a bigger picture. We know that students who live on campus tend to achieve higher academic success, get more involved in campus activities, take on leadership roles and build stronger bonds with their peers and faculty.”

LU President John Moseley highlighted how living on campus, such as in the newly renovated Dawson Hall, supports student success by immersing them in the full Lincoln experience.

The ceremony also featured remarks from Vice President for Student Affairs Tobias Morgan, SM Wilson Project Director Jack Kinamore and Grace Design Studios Partner and Higher Education Practice Leader Chris Chivetta. Guests were invited to tour the building after the ribbon-cutting. Move-in day for Lincoln students is Aug. 13. Classes begin Aug. 18.