Selleck Quad

After WWII, may men coming home from the war wanted to get an education. However there was not enough student housing to accommodate the amount of new incoming students. Chancellor John Selleck recognized this need for more room, and applied for grants to fund the new dormitories.  Selleck developed and oversaw the construction of many post WWII buildings on the University campuses. The Board of Regents recognized his contributions by naming the newly constructed dormitories in his honor in 1954. In May of 1953 he was asked to be the interim chancellor until the summer of 1954 when Clifford Hardin would assume the role.  The new residence hall was built by Ellery L. Davis. Due to his diminishing health, the dorm was built with a simple and modern design. This design was quintessentially 1950’s in style with a horizontal emphasis of buildings. Incorporated into the Quadrangle on the northeast corner were the more traditional Seaton, Fairfield, and Benton halls, designed by Davis & Wilson just at the close of the war. The quad also included a central courtyard. The dorms were built to fit 800 males, while the three smaller buildings accommodated 780. These dorms came fully furnished and fit two students, each with their own closet, bed desk, single lamp and a drawer to share. The dorms also featured a t.v. room, a basement with a snack bar, and two fully equipped laundry rooms.