Georgia Southern Breaks Ground on Science Building

June 9, 2011 - Governor Nathan Deal joined Georgia Southern University President Brooks Keel, local leaders, legislators and guests at a ceremonial groundbreaking Thursday for the University’s planned $37 million Biological Sciences Building. 

The current Biology Building was constructed in 1968 for a student population of fewer than 5,000, nearly one quarter of Georgia Southern’s expected fall 2011 enrollment of 20,000 students. Ninety eight percent of all Georgia Southern students take at least one class in biology prior to graduation.

“Georgia Southern’s goal is to leap forward as a serious research-oriented University while retaining our student-centered reputation.  This new building will showcase scientific research and learning as it happens, providing our students with exceptional opportunities at all levels,” said Brooks Keel, Ph.D. president of Georgia Southern University.  “This building is an investment in the future of science education and economic development in Georgia and it would not have been possible without the support of our local legislators.”

"Georgia Southern University is the leading research institution in southeast Georgia and is expected to reach a record 20,000 students this fall," said Deal. "This new building not only addresses a major need, but also creates a strategic center for the study of biological sciences in Georgia.  The new facility will enable Georgia Southern students and researchers to pursue important scientific advancements that will benefit the entire state of Georgia and beyond."

The new building, slated to open in the Spring of 2013, has been designed to provide maximum flexibility to ensure its longevity and utility. In addition to its modern lab and research spaces, the building also includes space for group work and cooperative learning activities.  Keel says that the addition of this new state-of-the-art building to Georgia Southern’s campus, combined with its outstanding faculty, will “form the most comprehensive center for science education in southern Georgia.” The building will house 10 teaching labs and 15 labs with 31 research spaces.

University officials say that the facility will enable Georgia Southern to continue to attract outstanding students from across Georgia, the nation and from around the world.  Georgia Southern was most recently ranked one of the Top 10 universities in the country for minority Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) by Forbes magazine. 

Check out the groundbreaking video at: GSU Groundbreaking.

Quick Facts

• Design Professional: S/L/A/M Collaborative
• Construction Professional: Brasfield & Gorrie
• GSFIC Project Manager: Wes Berry
• GSFIC Contract Compliance Specialist: Donnie Williams