The 106,000-square-foot Academic Center, which is the centerpiece of the campus, houses student services, other student activities, the library, administrative offices, conference facilities, program incubator spaces, tiered lecture facilities, distance learning classrooms, computer labs and numerous academic departments.

Beyond providing replacement space for programs previously occupying leased or temporary space, the Academic Center provides area for new programs, expansion of programs offered at the Riverpoint Campus, and space for programs relocated from WSU in Pullman. Convenience, collaboration, cooperation, and resource-sharing opportunities are fostered by the appropriate consolidation of functions within the Academic Center.

As part of the predesign service, the entire campus master plan was also updated. The Academic Center is one of the first buildings designed to address the governor's focus on sustainability by state facilities. Led by NAC Architecture, the Academic Center team included associated architect THA Architecture.