The property deal for Ashley Cinemas was closed in February and was purchased for $2.397 million by the University System Board of Regents.

Although there is nothing set in stone concerning what will be placed on the useable land, faculty is hoping to possibly expand parking or develop the health science departments on campus. 

There are numerous visions regarding what will take place and even the idea of adding classrooms has been mentioned. With the expansion of the campus, faculty is possibly hoping to multiply medical facilities.

The construction of a new health science building will help bring new programs to VSU such as health care management, medical information and hospital administration.  Not only would a new health science center expand the VSU campus, but it will also help to improve health care throughout the entire Valdosta area. 

If administration decides on a new health science building, then its estimated finish time will be roughly around three years.

With all the talk throughout the community, VSU students speak their opinion.

“I really like how VSU is trying to expand the campus,” Matt Towe, sophomore criminal justice major, said. “The only thing that sucks is that I am a broke college student and Ashley Cinemas is cheap fun.”

Stevie Schiff, senior psychology major, said, “It stinks that I won’t be here to see the expansion, but I look forward to coming back and visiting the campus and viewing all of its progress.”

Breana West, freshman nursing major, said, “Students, as well as myself, are constantly talking about parking and maybe this will be a good way to expand this problem.  Whatever the University decides to do with the property, I think it will be a great way to improve the development of the campus.”

As of spring 2012, VSU purchased Ashley Cinemas in order to increase the collegiate campus. 

Unsure of the plans for the property, VSU has leased the property back to the occupant until further plans have been made.

 VSU staff members are hoping that these plans will amplify the future of the campus.

“I believe that the purchase of Ashley Cinemas for the future growth of this great university is a phenomenal idea,” Tommy Thomas, former Valdosta head baseball coach, said. “I think that some people will be upset about it because of the cheap movies, but I also believe that Valdosta State is one of the fastest growing colleges in the state of Georgia.”

By picking up the theater, property adds 20 percent more useable land to be utilized.

The facility will be able to hold more than 1,450 people with seating for about 800 people. 

Since July 1979, Ashley Cinemas has offered movies throughout the community. 

Originally owned by Litchfield Theaters, Ashley Cinemas was a popular weekend activity throughout the area. 

In spring 1991, Georgia Theater Company withheld new ownership and the theater remains to be a popular attraction.