Akers Energy Center
Known for many years as simply the Power Plant or the New Power Plant, this 10,485 gross square foot building was built in 1968, replacing the previous Power Plant located on the north side of campus.
The Akers Energy Center is named in honor of Dale L. Akers, former Physical Plant Director. Dale Akers helped keep the University operating for 42 years. Dale started as a plumber in 1949 when he first came to Fort Hays State University. With the exception of three years in the military, he devoted his entire working life to the University. He was promoted to Maintenance Engineer, Physical Plant Supervisor I, Physical Plant Supervisor II, Assistant Physical Plant Director and Physical Plant Director.
It would be an understatement to say that Dale witnessed many changes at FHSU during his tenure here. In an article in the Hays Daily News, entitled "Building to be named after retired director," December 10, 1991, in an interview with Tim Parks, Managing Editor, Dale pointed to the invention of air conditioning as an example of the building modifications that have been made in those four decades. Dale said, "President Wooster had a small office in Albertson with one air conditioner in the window." That was the only air conditioner on the campus at that time.
The dedication and renaming of the building took place in 1991. Dale retired November 17, 1991.