Jenkins Fine Arts Center

The Jenkins Fine Arts Center was completed in 1977 as the School of Art and Design and was built on the site of two original campus buildings, Old Austin and Wilson Hall. It was designed by Odell & Associates from Charlotte, NC. Fashioned in Brutalist style, it has large studio spaces and galleries that are a contribution to the university’s program diversification and growing focus in fine arts.  The modern brick structure features open glass bay windows, a circular stairwell, and expansive studio spaces. It was named for Dr. Leo W. Jenkins, ECU’s visionary president from 1960 to 1978. The building houses the School of Art and Design and the Wellington B. Gray Gallery. (Building Histories, 2025)

Photograph of Jenkins Fine Arts Building

Patterson, Gary. Jenkins Fine Arts Building. 1976. Visual Media: Black and White Images. UA55.01.402. East Carolina University Digital Collections. https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/16785. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Photograph of Jenkins Fine Arts Building

Jenkins Fine Arts Building. Visual Media: Color Photographs. UA55.02.1713. East Carolina University Digital Collections. https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/35381. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.