Jodeci Ashford
On last Tuesday, March 11, during Founders’ Month, the university held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new STEM building. This event marked a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
The ground breaking ceremony began with a moment of silence for Caleb Wilson led by Kenneth Dawson, the Director of Facilities Planning and Host, who led the proceedings, highlighting the importance of this new development.
The new STEM building will be an impressive 86,000 square feet, spread across three floors. It will house 21 state-of-the-art lab spaces and is part of a $60 million project. The building is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2027.
“Over the next two years, James Hall will be completely demolished to make way for this new facility. The new building will feature 23 student classroom spaces and will be designed to be filled with natural light,” Dawson expressed. The Office of Student Media continued to take notes during the ceremony finding The design is highly intentional, aiming to create a collaborative learning environment that encourages students to stay and engage with their studies. The building will also be energy-efficient, with every detail, from the furniture to the doors, being carefully considered to support this goal.
During the ceremony, several state representatives, including Denice Marcelle, Regina Barrow, and Barbara Carpenter, were present. Communications Director for Rep. Cleo Field (D-LA), Shalyric Self, gave regards on behalf of Cleo Fields, emphasizing the significance of this project for the community. “Congressman Fields sends his warmest regards as he would’ve loved to be here today – as he’s in DC fighting for the very investments to Education and Innovation that has made today possible.”
In addition to the STEM building, there were several other building announcements made during the ceremony. In September of Fall 2024, an amphitheater groundbreaking was unveiled completely replacing Mayberry Lawn, followed by a public safety building grounding in October, and a global innovation and welcome center broke ground in December on the Southern University Main Campus. These developments are part of a broader plan to enhance the university’s infrastructure over the next 7-8 months, as highlighted by President-Chancellor Dennis J. Shields in his address.
Chancellor Pierre also spoke at the event, offering his thanks and acknowledgments to everyone involved in the project. He expressed his belief that the new STEM building will be transformative for the university, providing students with the resources and environment they need to succeed.
As the university moves forward with these ambitious plans, one question remains: What will be in place to support students and faculty during the demolition of James Hall and the construction of the new STEM building? Will it be a parking garage/lot, will it be a new lawn for more outdoor activities? This is a critical consideration as the university works to ensure a smooth transition and minimal disruption to the academic schedule.
Overall, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new STEM building was a momentous occasion, reflecting the university’s dedication to fostering innovation and excellence in education. The new facility promises to be a beacon of learning and collaboration, setting the stage for future generations of students to thrive.