Southeastern announces new computer science and technology building
Thursday, September 3, 2015
by: Rene Abadie
CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN ON NEW SOUTHEASTERN BUILDING – Southeastern Louisiana University President John L. Crain announced on Thursday the upcoming construction of a new science and technology building on the southeast corner of the campus. Participating in the announcement were, from left, Jeffrey Smith of the architectural firm Holly and Smith of Hammond; Southeastern Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Tammy Bourg; Mark Beckers, Holly and Smith; Vice President for University Advancement Wendy Lauderdale; Director of Facility Planning Ken Howe; Rep. Steve Pugh; City of Hammond Mayor Pete Panepinto; Crain; Dean of the College of Science and Technology Dan McCarthy; Vice President for Administration and Finance Sam Domiano; Interim Head of the Department of Computer Science and Technology Lu Yuan; Rep. Chris Broadwater; and Vice President for Student Affairs Marvin Yates.
HAMMOND – Representatives of Southeastern Louisiana University and other officials gathered
together Thursday morning (Sept. 3) to announce construction of a new $24.4 million
computer science and technology facility.
The 70,000 square foot building will be built near the intersection at North Oak
and Dakota streets. The project will be paid for through state Capital Outlay funds;
no university operating funds will be used in construction.
The project has been in the development stages since 2007, said Southeastern President
John L. Crain.
“This facility is greatly overdue. Our computer science, engineering technology,
industrial technology, and occupational, safety, health and environment programs have
expanded significantly in recent years as more students are drawn to the employment
opportunities in Louisiana associated with these professions,” he said. The faculty
and students have been operating with limited space. The new facility will greatly
enhance the classroom and specialized lab space needed to provide modern instructional
opportunities to our students.”
The new building will be built on the site of Southeastern Hall, which will be
taken down later this year. Total construction time is estimated at 17 months, making
the facility possibly ready for the fall 2017 semester.
The facility will house components of several programs, including computer science,
information technology, engineering technology, industrial technology, and occupational,
safety, health and environment programs.
“We are thrilled that we will now have a first-rate facility for these programs,”
said Dan McCarthy, dean of the College of Science and Technology. “We have first-rate
faculty and students already, so this facility will only help to strengthen our programs
even more. It is also gratifying that Southeastern is being recognized as a leader
for computing and technology programs in the state. This is a direct testament to
all the hard work and dedication of our faculty.”
Architect for the project is Holly and Smith of Hammond.
