CANYON, TEXAS -- Students at West Texas A&M University will soon have more room at the Jack B. Kelley (JBK) Student Center.

University officials and representatives from the Texas A&M Board of Regents broke ground on the $10.9 million expansion to the Student Center Monday morning. Also in attendance was Judy Kelley Morgan, daughter of the late Jack B. Kelley along with state and local government officials.

The expansion will include more room to the lobby/common area, office space, information center, catering kitchen, meeting rooms, a student lounge and a multi-purpose room. The multi-purpose room will have a capacity of 500.

This expansion marks the first major renovation or addition to the building in more than 20 years. 

As for who's paying for the expansion, students approved the project with a student referendum that adds an $8 student fee.

WT officials say this is one of many projects to come designed to enhance and prepare the University for continued growth.