http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060814/NEWS/608140344

Universities debut upgrades

In addition to higher tuition, college students throughout the state also will find all kinds of changes when they return to school in the coming weeks.

Bookstores and dorms, student unions and athletic fields, and even parking lots and bike trails will be new this fall.

At the University of Southern Mississippi, the $30 million Thad Cochran Center, a monstrous addition to the student union will welcome students next week.

"There's going to be a huge wow factor when they arrive," said Barbara Ross, director of the university's union and programs.

At 237,000 square feet, the building has meeting space, the largest campus Barnes and Noble around and dining facilities. In all, it's about three times larger than the old facility.

Plus, it's a lot nicer.

"I will definitely go there more," said sophomore Brena Ward, 18, from Jackson. "I didn't like the old one because it looks so '80s or '70s."...

...Is that a bar on campus? Nope, it just looks like one. The new Power House restaurant...