Built in 1904, Picken Hall is Fort Hays State University's oldest building and has served many purposes during its existence. With its stately Greek-style portico and white pillars, it remains the most iconic structure on the FHSU campus today.

In the summer of 2010, Picken Hall’s largest renovation in nearly 50 years was completed at a cost of $4.5 million. Not only did it receive some much-needed upgrades, but Picken was reconfigured as a "one stop shop" for student services. The offices of Admissions, Financial Assistance, Registrar, Academic Advising & Career Exploration as well as the Kelly Center, Graduate School and Student Fiscal Services are all housed there.

Picken Hall's New Design

One of the most notable changes to Picken Hall is the addition to the center section of the east side of the building facing Park Street. This two-and-a-half story addition exudes an atrium feel and serves as the central entrance point, which the building was lacking in the past.

A new lobby area was also created on the west side of Picken Hall, and windows were replaced with doors to allow for entry into the building from the portico. This lobby opened up a thoroughfare from the quad directly through the middle of the building, making the lobby more easily accessible from both sides of the building.

Kansas Tax Credits and Naming Opportunities in Picken Hall

The Kansas State Legislature has made available tax credits for Regents universities' top deferred maintenance needs, and Fort Hays State University's top priority was the renovation of Picken Hall.

Donors can continue to support Picken and receive a 50% Kansas tax credit with a minimum contribution of $5,000. Also with their investments at certain levels, alumni and friends will have the option to attach their names to spaces in the building such as office suites, individual offices, conference rooms and new lobby areas. See the complete list of naming opportunities.

More About Tax Credits

We are now in the final year that these tax credits will be available. If you are interested in receiving these credits, you have until December 2012 to do so. Tax credits are accessible on a first-come first-served basis.

Credits can be sold or transferred one time by non-profit entities

The taxpayer acquiring credit may use the credit to offset 100% of the taxpayer’s income, privilege or premiums tax liability. A credit shall be claimed in the tax year purchased. The donation will be reduced by the amount of the tax credit in the year the contribution is made.