Belton, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor will hold a special ceremony at 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 20, to dedicate Farris Hall, the new four-story apartment-style complex on campus.
The 82,750-square-foot Farris Hall houses 163 apartments, in two, three and four bedroom configurations. Each unit offers a private bedroom and bath for each student with shared living room, kitchen, dining, and laundry areas. The facility is located on a bluff overlooking Nolan Creek, affording residents beautiful views in every direction. At the center of the complex is an open-air courtyard that offers an attractive setting for individual relaxation or group events.
The complex uses a keyless entry system which allows students who live there to use their student identification cards to enter their apartments. The complex also offers an adjoining parking area which provides 181 dedicated parking spaces for residents.
Farris Hall is named in honor of Mrs. Martha White Farris of Floydada, Texas. After graduating as part of UMHB’s (then called Mary Hardin-Baylor College) Class of 1942, Farris worked as a teacher and later served as a member of the Floydada ISD School Board. Her interest in children’s reading programs led to her active support of the Floydada Library. She was honored with the Woman of Distinction Award in 1994 for her many years of service to the Caprock Council of Girl Scouts and was named Citizen of the Year by the Floydada Chamber of Commerce in 1999. A gifted musician, she taught Sunday school and played the piano for the children’s assembly of the First Christian Church of Floydada for many years.
Throughout her lifetime, Farris has been a steadfast supporter of her alma mater. She served as Honorary Chair in UMHB’s Challenge Beyond 2000 capital, and she and her family have made generous gifts towards many building projects over the years. In 2006, UMHB conferred upon her its highest honor, the Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree.
