Charleston Southern University dedicated a new, state-of-the-art science building Oct. 14 that will offer students a stronger curriculum and allow for undergraduate research opportunities that didn’t exist before.
Located on the west end of the Reflection Pond in the heart of the campus, the new $13.1 million building supports biology, chemistry and biochemistry majors.
“Our university currently stands at a transitional point in the development of its science programs,” said Jairy Hunter, Charleston Southern University president. “We intend to build upon our commitment to excellence in teaching, while increasing our emphasis on undergraduate research.”
The dedication ceremony included several speakers, a ribbon cutting and tours of the facility.
The university held its groundbreaking for construction of the new science building in October 2003. The facility, which has eight research labs, 11 teaching labs, 15 faculty offices and additional classrooms, opened in August.
Ribbon Cutting-From left, student Danielle Baskin; Robert Edwards, trustee chairman; James Wright, South Carolina Baptist Convention; Terry Gunn, president and CEO of Trident Health System; Jairy Hunter, CSU president; A.K. Bonnette, provost; and student Ty Byrd.“Two years ago, Dr. Jairy Hunter announced the exciting news that the university would break ground for a 54,000-square-foot science building, understanding the importance of preparing Christian professionals in the growing fields of science and healthcare,” said Terry Gunn, president and CEO of Trident Health System, and speaker for the dedication.
“As I stand here today, our country continues to struggle with a national nursing shortage, a shortage we feel locally,” Gunn said. “It is encouraging to me that Charleston Southern University, has added a state-of-the art science center that will prepare its students to become skilled in the sciences and, through its strong focus on faith, encourage a compassionate approach to healing through the nursing profession.”
Two former graduates – Samuel Gandy and Avery Ragan Jr. – were inducted into the first College of Science and Mathematics Hall of Honor.
Gandy, a Chesterfield native, graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. degree in chemistry in 1976. He serves as director of The Farber Institute for Neurosciences in Pennsylvania.
Ragan, a native of Mullins, received a B.S. degree in chemistry in 1971. He is an associate professor in the department of pathology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, New Orleans.