Dempster Hall likely to be ready for fall classes

Southeast Missouri State University officials said Dempster Hall "looks good for classroom use" this fall, after a fire broke out last week on its roof.

Kathy Mangels, vice president of finance and administration with the university, said during a Friday meeting of the university's board of regents that cleaning efforts are underway to replace carpet and ceiling tiles, and a contractor will start work next week.

Fall classes begin Aug. 26.

Mangels said there was no damage under the roof decking, but a 60 foot by 80 foot area of roof on the east wing and an area near its center will have to be replaced.

There was some interior water damage to the east wing, but university president Dr. Ken Dobbins said the sprinkler system inside the building did not go off, which would have cost the university millions in damages and replacement of computers and other electronic devices.

The cause of the fire has not yet been released. Southeast spokeswoman Ann Hayes previously said the roof on Dempster was being replaced, and work had been ongoing since about mid-June.

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