A major renovation of Henderson Hall at Washburn University, which is being renamed Advisors Excel Hall, is currently underway. This transformation is made possible through a partnership with Advisors Excel, a leading financial services firm co-founded by Washburn alumni. The collaboration reflects Advisors Excel's commitment to education and community investment, providing enhanced academic spaces and modern resources for students and faculty.
The transformation, a modern $35 million renovation set to reopen in January 2027, marks an exciting chapter for Washburn and Topeka. This revitalized 106,000 sq ft academic hub will fuse cutting-edge educational technology with flexible, accessible learning environments—essential for preparing students to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce. As a flagship structure housing major programs like business, social sciences, media and more, Advisors Excel Hall fosters deeper connections between students, faculty and local industry partners. The result? A stronger pipeline of career-ready graduates who fuel Topeka’s economic growth and civic vitality.
Construction live video
State of the art infrastructure
New VR/AI-powered Storytelling Lab, media studios, podcast tools, plus smart collaborative classrooms tailored to modern pedagogies.
Boosted community–campus synergy
Anchored by Advisors Excel’s lead gift, the project embeds internship pipelines, recruitment opportunities and workforce support for Topeka-area employers.
Enhanced natural light & inclusivity
Architectural upgrades add daylight-filled spaces, study lounges and universally accessible design—making the building welcoming for everyone.
"Henderson Learning Resources Center has been a cornerstone academic building at Washburn for the past 50 years,"
"We honor the legacy of President Henderson while looking forward to the future and our ability to provide an outstanding learning experience in our fully renovated modern space at Advisors Excel Hall." - Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, President
Renovation construction streaming video
Watch the transformation of Advisors Excel Hall unfold in real time through our streaming construction progress video. This live feed offers a front-row seat to the exciting renovations taking place at one of Washburn University’s most dynamic academic spaces.
