NASHVILLE, TENN. — Fisk University on May 17 unveiled a campus master plan named "Quantum Leap" that calls for an estimated $1 billion in investments in North Nashville over multiple decades. Construction will begin immediately, with the first project being an expansion of the John Lewis Center for Social Justice this year.

The plan will revitalize historic infrastructure, expand academic resources and build modern facilities within the university's existing campus borders over multiple decades. It will renovate residence halls, build a Fisk Arena and a Student Center, add parking, modernize learning spaces and provide access to quantum-level technology. The plan also includes new annexes to the John Lewis Center for Social Justice and the Carl Van Vechten Art Gallery, each with dedicated academic, research and instruction space.

The core element is a $400 million Innovation Center to be built on five undeveloped acres on the southern end of the campus. The 100,000 square foot facility will include a 30,000 square foot academic space and a 70,000 square foot technology center supporting new and existing curriculum and interdisciplinary study in technology. The center will offer academic enrichment and workforce development opportunities to Fisk students and the greater Nashville area, and will utilize advanced technologies to limit energy and water consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase sustainability.

The project marks the largest investment in North Nashville to date. Fisk developed the plan based on input from its students, faculty, alumni and board members, and the development will unfold over an estimated ten or more years.

"For more than 160 years, Fisk University has played a leading role in shaping some of the nation's brightest minds, cultivating leaders, expanding access to education and stewarding American history," said Dr. Agenia W. Clark, president of Fisk University.

Dr. Brian L. Nelms, Fisk provost, said the plan reflects the institution's academic mission. "Reflecting Fisk University's commitment to academic excellence and constant advancement, Quantum Leap emboldens Fisk to embrace its next chapter of institutional growth and innovation," he said. "Quantum Leap not only enables us to revitalize our campus but to revolutionize our educational system. With access to state-of-the-art technology, enhanced learning spaces and greater academic capabilities, Fisk will be able to offer its students unparalleled learning and training opportunities, and Nashville will be poised to grow its skilled workforce."