WASHINGTON -   For years, Howard University students have sought a dynamic hub for fitness and community. Jomah Watson, Ed.D., has turned that vision into reality. As the Director of Campus Recreation and Blackburn Center Operations, he has turned The Pulse fitness center into a modern gym, now drawing in hundreds of students.

Watson said he knew that this space needed to evolve to meet the diverse needs of the campus community. 

"It was just a white room, but now we're creating a multi-use environment," he said. “At Blackburn and Student Affairs, we are excited to help provide a great fitness environment for the campus community.”

The $200,000 renovation has primarily centered on acquiring new equipment and clearing the floor layout, which previously featured almost nothing but endless rows of treadmills. To ensure the redesign met student needs, Watson said he collaborated with the Howard University Student Association. A key request fulfilled was the purchase of a squat rack and platform. 

Watson said that the next step in the gym's evolution would be to address students' requests for extended hours. Currently, the gym space is shared with academic programming and ROTC.  The gym's operating hours are 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday - Friday on non-athletic game days.

The redesigned space more accurately reflects Howard’s branding and spirit. The renovation introduces graphics and a new color scheme, creating a modern gym atmosphere while incorporating elements consistent with the lower Burr basketball and volleyball courts. 

“This is all still Howard,” he emphasized, making sure the design felt cohesive with the university’s athletic identity.

Students have been enthusiastically making use of the space. Akunna Njaku, a Houston freshman studying civil engineering, said she was excited to use the new weightlifting equipment.  

“I’ve been coming here, and I think it’s a great space,” said Njaku, who has a background in track but wanted to concentrate a recent workout on arms and upper body.

Glenn Vinson, Howard University assistant vice president of student affairs, said he was also thrilled get the Pulse open again. “This has been a couple of years in the making, and to see it come to life is amazing,” he said. 

Vinson recalled his own experiences as a student athlete, noting how the Pulse had been a place of personal growth and networking.

 “This space is more than just workouts,” he said. “It’s where friendships and futures are built. This is a place for mind, body, and spirit.”

Pictured: Jomah Watson, director of Campus Recreation and Blackburn Center Operations.

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