New Innovation Lounge Opens at Harris-Stowe—A Game-Changing Space for Hornet Success
Harris-Stowe State University continues to invest in student success with the official opening of the Home Depot Retool Your School Innovation Lounge, a dynamic new space designed for collaboration, focus, and innovation.
On April 8, University leaders, faculty, staff, and students gathered to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the lounge—an intentional environment created to support how Hornets learn, connect, and thrive.
Located adjacent to the Office of Persistence and Completion (HGA 003) and housed in the former Wolff Jazz Institute, the Innovation Lounge offers a thoughtful mix of resources, including comfortable lounge seating, couches, computers, and quiet study cubbies. Whether students are working on group projects, preparing for exams, or simply need a place to reset, the space is designed with their needs in mind.
This transformative project began with a vision from Dream Dennis, Coordinator of Persistence and Completion, who secured funding through the highly competitive HBCU Retool Your School grant program. Harris-Stowe was one of only 12 HBCUs selected nationwide, making this lounge a significant addition to campus.
“This space reflects our commitment to meeting students where they are,” said Dennis. “The Innovation Lounge is designed to foster persistence, build community, and remind every student that they belong and can succeed.”
She added, “The Innovation Lounge is really about giving students a place to breathe, focus, and feel supported. I wanted it to be somewhere they can come, get what they need, and experience intentional support through the Office of Academic Success and Engagement—so they can keep pushing toward graduation.”
The Innovation Lounge reflects Harris-Stowe’s continued commitment to enhancing student resources and creating spaces that support both personal and academic growth.
Students —
What Does This Mean for You?
A space built for you
Whether you need to study, collaborate, or decompress between classes, the Innovation Lounge is designed with your experience in mindBetter access to support
Located next to the Office of Persistence and Completion, you’re just steps away from resources that help you stay on track and graduateRoom to focus and recharge
Quiet cubbies and comfortable seating give you the flexibility to work how you work bestA stronger sense of community
Connect with classmates, share ideas, and build relationships in a space created for collaborationA reminder that you belong here
This investment is about you—your success, your journey, and your future at Harris-Stowe