After over a decade since the idea of renaming Douglas Hall was first brought to the university’s attention, the residence hall will be renamed Powell-Norton Hall. The change follows a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees to approve the rename Friday afternoon. The name honors both Zella Powell and Ona Norton, two Black women.
Former Eastern President Louis V. Hencken has requested his name be withdrawn from the list of names being considered by the Naming Committee as potential name replacements for Douglas Hall. Hencken said he was honored to be considered but felt that another person on the list would be a better choice for Douglas Hall to.