Southern University breaks ground on new $68 million STEM complex building

Southern University breaks ground on new $68 million STEM complex building

Construction is officially underway on Southern University's campus for its new STEM complex, which will be located on E.C. Harrison Drive. Today, dozens of faculty, staff, students and other stakeholders gathered to break ground at the site of the facility.

The 86,000-square-foot, three-story building will serve as a state-of-the-art venue to enhance STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education and collaboration with academic and industry partners.

"As we celebrate the 145th anniversary of Southern University and its founding, we really believe that this particular building will be a transformational facility in the future of the state of Louisiana, this country, and globally," said John K. Pierre, chancellor of Southern University and A&M College. "Our students are very competitive and well-rounded, and if they get this opportunity to do their work in a new place with the newest technology, they will excel and exceed all expectations that anyone could ever have."

The $68 million facility, funded through legislative appropriation in the Capital Outlay Act, is energy efficient and will feature 21 student lab spaces for physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. The complex will also include 16 classroom spaces, a student common area for collaboration and learning, and support spaces for administrators, professors, and staff.

"Our mission is to provide a transformative educational experience and opportunities to our students so they can become global leaders in STEM and innovation," said Lealon Martin, dean of the College of Sciences and Engineering. "Our overarching goal is to become the top producer of students with degrees in STEM."

The STEM complex will replace William Henry James Hall. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2027.