At its quarterly meeting on May 8 the Coastal Carolina University board of trustees approved building projects estimated at more than $40 million.

The largest project is a proposed $35 million Student Convocation/Recreation Center that will house a multipurpose facility that can be used for campus events and convocations, such as graduation exercises. The University bookstore will be relocated to this facility.

Other new building projects include a baseball batting facility estimated at $1.2 million, a dining hall addition expected to cost $2 million, and a $4 million central cooling and heating plant.

"We are fortunate to be in a position to embark on these building projects in a time of general economic downturn," said University President David A. DeCenzo.

Preliminary approval was granted for the planning and design of eight new academic programs. Bachelor of Fine Arts programs in musical theatre, physical theatre, acting, and theatre design/technology were approved.

"These new academic degrees in theatre make our program unique in South Carolina and rare across the country," said Bill Richardson, dean of the University's Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts.

Also approved were Bachelor of Science degrees in information systems, biochemistry and in biology-medical technology, as well as a Master of Education degree in learning and technology. The new degree programs must be approved by the state Commission on Higher Education before being implemented.

The board approved tenure for Dianne Mark, who will assume the position of dean of the Spadoni College of Education on June 15.

The board also approved a discretionary budget for University President DeCenzo for 2009-2010.