Johansen Student Center

A new home for student life and collaboration at Drake University

Formerly Morehouse Residence Hall, the Johansen Student Center is a vibrant hub for student life and collaboration at Drake University. The renovated building now serves as the home for more than 150 student organizations, offering flexible meeting rooms, creative workspaces, and event venues designed to inspire innovation, leadership, and community engagement.

The transformation of this building marks a major milestone in Drake’s continued investment in student success and connection. The historic Morehouse building—long a cornerstone of campus life—has been thoughtfully transformed to meet the evolving needs of today’s students while preserving its legacy.

A highlight of the renovation is the Sammons Intercultural Center, Drake’s first dedicated space celebrating diversity and inclusion through student-focused programming. Adjacent to the center, Sammons Plaza provides an inviting outdoor gathering area for the campus community.

Spanning four floors and 40,000 square feet, the Johansen Student Center features a range of dedicated spaces for study, collaboration, and leadership development, including:

• Ground Floor: Fisher-Stelter Hall, a flexible community workspace with areas for formal meetings and casual gatherings.
• First Floor: Student Services Center, Darling Institute, Koehn Community Work Zone, Ruan Living Room, Schickler Lounge, Porter Outpost, and Olson Institute for Public Democracy Scholars’ Caucus Room.
• Second Floor: Adams Leadership Institute, Hayes Student Commons, Lacy Workroom, August Lounge, Person Family Suite, Vice President & Dean of Students Office, and collaborative huddle spaces.
• Third Floor: Kinne Center, Ernst Boardroom, J.W. Roberts Digital Hub, Scripps Lounge and Meeting Room, and additional huddle spaces.

The building’s historic fireplace and sitting room have been revitalized as the Ruan Living Room, a welcoming lounge for students to connect and unwind.

Morehouse Residence Hall will always hold an important place in Drake’s history. Now, as the Johansen Student Center, it continues that legacy—serving as a place where students come together to build relationships, strengthen leadership skills, and make a lasting impact on the Drake community.