The development of the David and Sherry Morgan Health Performance Center at Northwestern State University of Louisiana has been delayed longer than expected. The facility was anticipated to be in operation by February 2026; however, it is now expected to be in use by May 2026.
The delay came after contractors discovered underground utilities that were not identified before construction started.
Kevin Martin, director of facilities and plant operations, said that the project has been delayed approximately 90 days because they had to address those issues.
Martin oversees the project to ensure everything is progressing smoothly. This includes coordinating with architects, engineers, contractors and state agencies that are involved in the project.
Martin explained that on projects such as the David and Sherry Morgan Center, he works closely with NSU athletics staff to ensure the facility aligns with the needs of NSU’s athletic programs.
“Construction is currently 70% complete, and we have moved well into both the interior and exterior finishing stages of the project,” Martin said. “At this point you can really start to see the building take shape.”
Kevin Bostian, NSU’s director of athletics, said the facility is a $12 million project, where construction began after the ground breaking in March 2024.
“This facility will bring us up to division one standards,” Bostian said. “It will help improve on what we are trying to do from a strength and conditioning standpoint.”
Bostian added that the building is named after NSU alumni David and Sherry Morgan because of their generous support to NSU and this project.
“David and Sherry Morgan are wonderful supporters of NSU. They donated $1.5 million to this project, thus getting their name on the building,” Bostian said. “They are also big supporters of Greek Life and they do the Morgan Extra Mile Scholarships.”
Martin said the new center is intended to improve training conditions for student-athletes across all sports.
“The new center is designed to provide a modern and efficient training environment for our student-athletes across all sports,” Martin said. “The primary feature is a fully upgraded weight room that will be utilized by all athletics programs, offering improved layout, functionality and capacity to support strength and conditioning at a highest level.”
The project is a two-part project. Phase One is the building and construction of the David and Sherry Morgan Center, while Phase Two is renovating and converting the Athletic Fieldhouse.
“Phase Two includes renovations to the existing weight room, which will be converted into a training and recovery area,” Martin said. “This space will include a treatment area, whirlpool area, exam room, and offices.”
Bostian explained that the facility will house a new weight room, a nutrition area and offices for strength and conditioning coaches.
Both Martin and Bostian said that the projected completion date of the building is the end of May 2026.
