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OSU breaks ground on research building, Oklahoma’s largest single state capital bond project |
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Thursday, 26 July 2007 |
 [left to right] Lou Watkins, Chair, OSU/A&M Board of Regents, Governor Brad Henry, Dr. Marlene Strathe, Interim OSU System CEO & President, and Dr. Stephen McKeever, OSU VP of Research & Technology Transfer break ground on the site of the OSU Interdisciplinary Science Research Building, which is the single largest project of the Oklahoma Higher Education Capital Bond Program. Construction of the $70 million building is expected to be completed in the Fall of 2010.
“Oklahomans understand that today’s economy is driven by knowledge and research, and this facility will not only bring jobs and economic development to Oklahoma; it will teach a generation of students so they can stay in Oklahoma and fill those jobs,” said Governor Henry.
Governor Henry added, “The OSU Interdisciplinary Science Research Building will be one of the premier centers of learning in Oklahoma’s higher education system.”
OSU/A&M Board of Regents Chair Lou Watkins said, “Oklahoma State University is in a period of record growth and is making changes that will improve all aspects of an OSU education. We are fortunate to have state leaders who recognize the importance of higher education on the well-being of Oklahoma citizens. The Capital Bond Program and this building are shining examples.”
In addition to being a project of the $475 million Oklahoma Higher Education Bond Program, the building is one of many facilities being constructed or renovated as part of the OSU Master Plan 2025, which calls for $826 million in projects over the next five to seven years.
“These construction projects highlight an exciting time in the university’s history,” said Marlene Strathe, interim OSU System CEO and President. “New facilities and improvements to current buildings will transform OSU, making it more competitive in academics, campus life and athletics.”
The high-tech, 124,000-square foot OSU Interdisciplinary Science and Research Building will provide laboratory spaces for a range of disciplines and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2010. The building, which will be three floors plus a basement, will contain custom-designed facilities for research in biodiversity, biophysics, photonics, synthetic chemistry and advanced materials.
“The project will serve as a cornerstone for innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship as OSU grows its research programs and educates students in cutting-edge disciplines for the future of the state and the nation,” said Steve McKeever, OSU vice president for research and technology transfer.
Fact sheet on Interdisciplinary Science Research Building (link)
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