On July 3, Gov. Snyder signed a supplemental appropriations bill that authorizes Muskegon Community College to develop planning documents for a 25,000-square-foot science laboratory and the renovation of 20,000 square feet of existing science facilities.
The cost of the project – $9,293,670 – will be divided evenly between MCC and the state, each responsible for $4,646,835. With MCC Board of Trustees approval, the College expects to meet with architects again to continue the planning phase.
Since the completion of the College’s Facility Master Plan in 2010, improving science facilities has been the top priority identified by the MCC Board. The master plan calls for a two-level science/technology building addition with six new laboratories and six new classrooms, serving a combined 18 academic programs.
“We need to compete on a national and global level,” explained Dr. Dale Nesbary, college president. “In addition to meeting crucial student needs, this expansion will also benefit employers and the community at large. It will help attract and retain talented individuals and equip them with the science skills to make them both more effective employees, as well as informed residents critical to improving the overall health of our communities.”
The new science area will address the national call to increase the number of students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) majors. The expanded facility will also allow boost enrollment capacity, provide barrier-free access, improve technology integration, and protect investment in instructional equipment through secure storage.
Muskegon Community College, established in 1926, offers over 80 areas of study and serves over 5,000 students each semester. More information about MCC and its campus improvement plan are available at muskegoncc.edu/masterplan.