Indiana State University’s Board of Trustees on Friday approved a plan to request $66 million from the state for renovation and expansion of the Technology Annex Building, which was constructed in 1980.
Indiana State University’s Board of Trustees on Friday approved a plan to request $66 million from the state for renovation and expansion of the Technology Annex Building, which was constructed in 1980.
Funding for the College of Technology capital project would be considered as part of the 2023-25 biennial budget by the Indiana General Assembly during its 2023 budget writing session.
The project would modernize space for a Center for Technology Engineering & Design. The plan includes a two-story 30,000 square foot addition and demolition of 17,000 square feet. Interior improvements to the adjacent Myers Technology Center are also part of the project.
“Technology, engineering, and advanced manufacturing are critical components to the Indiana economy,” ISU President Dr. Deborah J. Curtis said. “For Indiana to compete on a global scale, it needs a strong, well-educated, and highly skilled workforce.
“This institutional priority is in complete alignment with the state’s goals. With our incredible record of serving the state, ISU will work hard to use this investment to make Indiana even more competitive and prosperous. And, in the long run, our fellow citizens throughout the state will greatly benefit.”
The project plan came after careful consideration of various campus buildings and factoring in growth potential for key university programs that are aligned with state workforce priorities.
“Our proposed renovations and upgrades to the College of Technology will be critical to keep our programs and facilities on the cutting edge of what students have available,” said Dr. Christopher Olsen, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “That means that we can continue to graduate future innovators and leaders in engineering and technology.
“In particular, one area of emphasis in these renovations is an expansion of our interdisciplinary STEM programs that draw students into new fields that push the boundaries of students’ academic preparation and therefore their career readiness and long-term success.”
Said Diann McKee, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration: “ISU has a long history of renovating existing structures on our campus as opposed to building new facilities. This allows us to continue to be good stewards of Indiana taxpayer dollars while preserving and enhancing our very well constructed buildings”
Other action by the board:
---Approved the naming of the Rich and Robin Porter Nursing Skills Lab at the College of Health and Human Services. The naming is in recognition of a $300,000 gift to establish the Rich and Robin Porter Endowed Master’s in Nursing Scholarship. (See separate news release.)
---Approved a Pass/Fail grade option to encourage students’ intellectual exploration without concern about how it will impact their grade point average.
---Approved a new certificate in History for graduate students. The proposal also needs approval from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.
---Received information about a proposed non-degree licensure program at the graduate level for elementary education candidates. It is meant to address open teaching positions in Indiana by expediting training for an Indiana teaching license.
Media contacts:
Mark Alesia, Director of University Communication
(O) 812-237-3837
(C) 317-946-8899
mark.alesia@indstate.edu
Dianne Powell, Associate Director of University Communication
(O) 812-237-8764
(C) 812-878-2131
DianneFrances.Powell@indstate.edu