UT
Tyler Herrington Patriot Center
History
Planning
for a health and kinesiology and student recreation
center began soon after the arrival of UT Tyler President
Rodney H. Mabry in Fall, 1998. Research indicated that
students were very satisfied with their academic experience
at UT Tyler but concerned about the lack of student
services and activities. The new facility was conceived
as a center for student life as well as a state-of-the-art
home for the Health and Kinesiology faculty.
Facilities
Jean
Lancaster Academic Wing
Includes faculty offices and labs of the Health &
Kinesiology faculty. Research and teaching labs include
a biomechanical/anatomy lab and an exercise physiology
lab. A “force plate” allows for research
on body movement in exercise.
Maytee Fisch Convocation Center
The 30,000 square foot area includes 3 full basketball/volleyball
courts, chair back seating for 2000 at Patriot athletic
competitions, University convocation, and other special
events. A custom sound system will allow for concerts
in the center.
Jim
and Bonna Bess Vaughn Recreation and Therapy Pool
Heated pool and spa with sundeck will be a center of
student recreation and also a tool for kinesiology research.
Features include zero grade beach entry, two-lane lap
pool, and bubble couch.
Meadows
Student Lounge
Comfortable, scenic space for students to study or relax
after working out.
Fitness
Center
6,340 square feet of pin selectorized machines,
free weights, plate-loaded machines, and treadmills.
Also included are two racquetball courts, dance studio/recreation
programming room, and overhead suspended walking/jogging
track.
Budget
$19.3
million total construction project cost. Construction
was funded with $9.7 million from the state Permanent
University Fund and $9.6 million from private gifts.
Fast
Facts
At
127,000 square feet, the Herrington Patriot Center is
the largest building on campus.
$6.4
million gift from Joseph and Louise Ornelas made the
building possible. The center’s name honors the
family of Louise Herrington Ornelas.
The
Jean Lancaster Academic wing is named to honor the sister
of Louise Ornelas.
UT
Regents appropriated $9.7 million from the Permanent
University Fund to construct the academic portions of
the center.
Over
500,000 bricks were used in the facility construction.
Construction
time – 19 months
The
maple gymnasium floor in the Fisch Convocation Center
features a unique maple floor designed to be easier
on the knees of student athletes.
Six
athletic team locker rooms are included in the building.
The
athletic trainer’s office includes a hydrotherapy
room.
The
Patriot baseball team will utilize an indoor batting
cage within the facility.
The Vaughn Pool holds 100,000 gallons of water.
The HPC typically offers over 30 fitness classes per week.
For More Information
Bob Hepler, HPC Director 903 565-5571
HPC Office 903 566-7466
