The Baptist Student Union at Mississippi State University will receive a new facility to combat the problem of  its overcrowding. 
 A number of years ago, BSU approached MSU to trade its existing building and property and occupy where the old Hamlin Hall used to stand, before being torn down in 2004. 
According to Tim Muzzi, director of planning, design and construction at MSU, after appraisal of the land, the university agreed to trade land area so BSU could continue to operate while the new facility is built. 
Expanding 14,540 square feet, it will be the largest student union in the Southern Baptist Convention. The current building, built in 1961 when student enrollment was only 5,575, has long been too small for the growing ministry. 
Primarily used for Priority, which is weekly praise and worship, noonday, international hour, small group Bible studies and mission activities, the new facility will be located at the intersection of East Lee and Coliseum Boulevard. 
The groundbreaking of the new building is scheduled for Oct. 7 at 4p.m. Some of the amenities students can look forward to include a new auditorium that seats 800 people, a lobby, boardroom, meeting rooms, a coffee bar and a dish wash.
The building will take approximately one year to complete.
Michael Ball, director of BSU, said the greatest impact of the new BSU building will be the opportunity for growth.
Many people have assisted in planning, fundraising and preparing for the groundbreaking and Homecoming celebration. There have been approximately 3.6 million donations, including a $1.75 million gift from the Mississippi Baptisit Convention Board.
Jedd Moak, president of BSU, said he is excited about the new BSU building.
“Though I will not personally benefit from the building, I am excited to see how this building will serve as a place that changes people’s lives,” Moak said. “The ministry lies in the students that make up BSU and are intentionally living to know Christ and to make Him known. The building is simple a tool for ministry.”