Wichita State University held an open house and dedication at its new South Campus Friday, March 14.

Classes are being offered for the first time this semester in a renovated commercial building in the Towne Center Shopping Center in Derby, 200 W. Greenway Blvd., Suite 15A.

The 10,000-square-foot, one-level facility is conveniently located just off K-15 highway and serves the educational needs in the southern part of Sedgwick County.

The facility was renovated by Rainbow Construction.

"As an urban-serving research institution we have a responsibility to provide higher education opportunities throughout the county," said Keith Pickus, associate provost with responsibilities for WSU's satellite campuses. "We've determined that there are unmet educational needs in south Sedgwick County and beyond."

WSU South Campus features six classrooms, each with a capacity ranging from 35-55 students, one computer lab with about 30 workstations, and a range of offices and student-service space. The facility is about one-third the size of WSU West Campus.

Initially, WSU South Campus is the site of more than 35 late-afternoon and evening general education and business classes, with room to grow. Under consideration are degree programs, professional development and certificate programs.

The recently announced accelerated nursing program in the College of Health Professions will be offered at the WSU South Campus beginning in May.