From staff reports

Hinds Community College in Utica has a new building to add to its roster.

The $8.3 million Fine Arts Complex was dedicated last week as part of the school’s Founder’s Day program.

In addition to regular classroom space and computer labs, the 37,340-square-foot building houses a gallery for photography, painting and drawing exhibits, a green room, offices and a 500-seat auditorium.

Construction began in June 2006. It was completed in February.

The building is the first in Utica to provide services for community and cultural activities. Events have been set. For a complete list, call 601-354-2327 or 601-885-6062.

“Everybody says it’s a beautiful facility, and everyone is excited about it,” said George Barnes, vice president of Hinds’ Utica and Vicksburg campuses.

Other construction in progress at Hinds’ Utica campus is upgrades to the boys’ gym and $2.5 million dollars in repairs to the dormitories.

Hinds serves five counties — Claiborne, Copiah, Hinds, Rankin and Warren — and operates six facilities, including the main campus in Raymond. About 17,000 students attend the school, which offers about 170 academic, career and technical programs. The Utica location, founded in the early 1900s, is on Mississippi 18. The Vicksburg campus is on Mississippi 27.