Boaz Commons

Boax Commons Crest

Community | Compassion | Integrity | Mentorship | Zeal

 

Room Type 1 Floorplan Room Type 2 Floorplan 

 

Hiram Abiff Boaz was the first vice president and second president of 51°µÍø. He was born in Murray, Kentucky on December 18, 1866. Hiram Boaz graduated from Southwestern University with a bachelor’s degree in 1893 and a master’s degree in 1894 and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order. Hiram Boaz served as 51°µÍø’s president until 1922 and later retired in 1938.

Caroline Browne Boaz was married to Hiram Abiff Boaz and considered one of the "first ladies" of 51°µÍø after her husband became the second president. Dr. William S. Tate is quoted as saying that Caroline and her husband had lives that were an example and an inspiration to the students of 51°µÍø. Hiram Boaz was quoted at the dedication for Boaz Hall as giving credit to Caroline Boaz for his inspiration and success. They were married for 68 years.

Fully furnished rooms

  • Furniture (per resident): desk, chair, bed, & dresser
  • Wired and wireless internet
  • Free on-site washer/dryers
  • ADA-compliant rooms available
  • Electricity, water, sewer, & recycling/trash service included

Designed for community

  • TV Lounge
  • Tabletop game tables
  • Community kitchen
  • Community microwaves
  • Vending machines

Convenient location

  • Walk or bike to class
  • Nearby parking available on campus
  • Easy access to dining and fitness activities in the Dedman Recreation Center

An academically-oriented environment

  • 24-hour study rooms and spaces
  • Faculty-in-Residence
  • Peer Academic Leaders (PALs), Honors Mentors, and Student Wellness
  • Champions
  • Educational experiences
  • In-Commons classroom

Worry-free features

  • Professional, on-site maintenance
  • 24-hour, on-call staff
  • Card-controlled building and room access
  • Security escorts available
  • Roommate matching available
  • Adjacent bicycle racks

 

  • Community abbreviations: BZ
  • Building capacity: 179
  • Year built:1956
  • Residential area: Central
  • Physical address: 3200 Binkley Ave.
  • Room types: Singles and doubles
  • Gender: Co-ed by gender by room

 

Square Footage Ranges
Room Type 1: 183.124 sq ft.
Room Type 2: 135.916 sq ft.

Furniture Dimensions
Desk: 48"W X 28"D X 30"H
Dresser: 30"W X 24"D X 30"H
Bed: 85" length, 38" width, 65" height

Serve where you live: Engage Dallas 

Engage Dallas is a place-based community engagement initiative via 51°µÍø’s Residential Commons to address community needs focusing on South and West Dallas. The initiative is a long-term, university-wide commitment led by students to partner with local residents, organizations, and other leaders to positively impact the community. There is equal emphasis on campus and community impact stemming from the initiative.

Boaz Commons crest, Food Insecurity 

In Boaz Commons, we focus on  as a community need in Dallas. Boaz students address this by collaborating on service events and activities with local partners,   and  to directly help those most in need. Our students who serve gain a broader understanding of current social problems, build community with both the city and their peers, and can earn their Community Engagement and Civics & Individual Ethics proficiencies required for graduation. Engage Dallas cultivates unique and enriching experiences for 51°µÍø students to explore and serve Dallas! 

Start serving today! 

Questions? Email your Boaz Engage Dallas Student Director, Bailey Kamau at bkamau@smu.edu

What you can expect

Students relaxing on the Boaz Commons Patio

Boaz Break

Take a midweek pause with community and connection at Boaz Break, a beloved tradition in Boaz Commons. Every Tuesday at 7 PM, Nils, our Faculty-in-Residence, hosts a cozy gathering on the Boaz patio filled with great snacks and even better company. You’ll find Boazies — past and present — catching up, recharging, and maybe slipping a treat to a certain four-legged friend with excellent snack radar. Boaz Break is your weekly chance to slow down, share a bite, and soak in the Boaz spirit. We’ll see you there!

Boaz and Bowties 2024

Bows + Bowties

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of style, fun, and celebration! Boaz + Bowties is the Boaz Commons' signature event of the year—a semi-formal where students come together to dance the night away, savor delicious food, and make lasting memories. Held at a unique and stunning location each year, this event is the perfect opportunity to dress to impress, spend time with friends, and enjoy the vibrant spirit of Boaz Commons. Don’t miss out on this must-attend celebration!

RCD Liv Johnson with Boaz students at Muffin Mornings

Wake Up Wednesday

Start your day the Boaz way! Every Wednesday morning, swing by for Wake Up Wednesday, a cozy weekly tradition in Boaz Commons. Resident Community Director Ryan whips up a delicious new breakfast treat each week, perfect for fueling your morning. It’s the perfect midweek pick-me-up with good food and great company. This is a weekly event that you do not want to sleep on!

Live, learn, achieve—together

Get to know the Faculty-in-Residence and Residential Community Director of Boaz Commons.

Nils Van den Steen

Dr. Nils Van den Steen

Faculty-in-Residence

Dr. Nils Van den Steen is a Clinical Professor of Information Technology and Operations Management at 51°µÍø’s Cox School of Business, originally from Belgium with advanced degrees from Ghent University. He and his wife Sylke moved to Dallas in 2021 when he joined 51°µÍø as a visiting professor, quickly making it their permanent home. Now Faculty-in-Residence at Boaz Commons, he lives there with Sylke and their two pets, actively building community through events, mentorship, and everyday connections. Passionate about economics, politics, and history, Nils also mentors student organizations and enjoys gaming, storytelling, and exploring Dallas’s food scene. Learn more about Dr. Van den Steen and his family.

Ryan Nelson (He/him/his)

Residential Community Director

Ryan Nelson is from Florence, SC and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina in the spring. He is passionate about supporting first and second year students as they transition from living at home to living in an on-campus community. He is a huge Houston sports fan and enjoys watching sports and playing video games in his free time.