By The Beacon Editorial Board
Just as a too-big fish can be stifled in its bowl, institutions of higher learning can be stifled by their geographical surroundings.
While a location in the urban area of a major city is a desirable perk, the impacts that it can have on expansion can inhibit the future success of a growing campus.
After years of false starts, negotiation and haggling, the University has finally purchased Triangle Park.
With the acquisition of Triangle Park we believe that the administration has taken one of the critical steps necessary to move forward on a path of balanced growth.
By making the area an official part of the University's holdings, the school not only gains unprecedented opportunities for physical growth, but the ability to grow as a center for the community.
By adding more room for athletic facilities in the new area, the University can free up valuable space in the established area for new academic and administrative buildings.
With the University expected to expand in the future, more academic buildings will keep class sizes low and administrative expansion will allow for efficient student management.
From a student-safety perspective, making Triangle Park property of the University will decrease the risk of student accidents in the condemned buildings on the property.
Instead of crumbling ruins, the school will have an opportunity to put in everything from the long-awaited track facilities to the oft-dreamed-about parking expansion.
More parking, a real track for the track team - maybe one day something will be done about Howard Hall. The opportunities are endless.
When the adjacent land, the McCormick and Baxter property, is purchased the campus will effectively double in size, and that will mean even more possibilities for growth.
Very few universities that are located in major cities and are also more than 100 years old have the chance to expand like we will due to the acquisition of this new property.
And yet, it is imperative that in our great expansion, we do not put the cart ahead of the horse.
Before we build softball fields, perhaps we should finish the dorms that we'll need to house our hypothetical softball team.
Before we build new track facilities, perhaps we should finish the renovations to the Commons so that our track team can eat.
Triangle Park, now called River Campus, opens up near-countless opportunities for the school.
While a substantial chunk of riverfront property is a blessing, we must be sure that we proceed cautiously. Progress is good and very necessary for the University to remain competitive in the high stakes game of higher education.
But progress made atop a shaky foundation is a recipe for disaster.
Even with the acquisition of new property, it will take foresight and a balanced perspective to ensure the University doesn't have to play catch up, matching too many students with overextended resources.
