On Saturday, September 19, 2009, EKU broke ground on one of the most impressive student support projects taking place in the entire country: the Noel Studio for Academic Creativity. The Noel Studio will provide an innovative learning environment that integrates writing, speaking, and research services in one central location. Once complete, the Noel Studio will offer students approximately 10,000 square feet of collaborative academic space where they can meet with consultants, practice the delivery of oral presentations, hone their research skills, or develop creative scholarly products. The Noel Studio will support the QEP's mission of developing informed critical and creative thinkers who communicate effectively.