Biology

The rebuilding of WKU’s science campus is continuing with construction of Ogden College Hall.

Dr. Cheryl Stevens, dean of Ogden College of Science and Engineering, spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony on April 5. (WKU photo by Clinton Lewis)

“This is a very significant event for Ogden College,” Dean Cheryl Stevens said Tuesday during a groundbreaking ceremony for the 80,000-square-foot, four-story building, which will replace Thompson Complex North Wing. “We are so thrilled to have this kind of space and a state-of-the-art facility.”

Ogden College Hall will include 36 laboratories for the departments of Chemistry, Physics and Biology; a 300-seat auditorium, student success center and student lounges; and the Dean’s Suite for the Ogden College of Science and Engineering.

Construction on the $32.2 million project began in February with completion expected by December 2017. The project’s general contractor is Whittenberg Construction of Louisville; the architectural firm is Ross Tarrant Architects of Lexington.

Ogden College Hall will replace Thompson Complex North Wing. (WKU photo by Clinton Lewis)

WKU biology major Tony Piedmonte, a junior from Goshen, said the new facility will create more opportunities for students to learn and conduct research.

Piedmonte said he has wanted to be a scientist since he began conducting experiments at home as a first grader. “The joy I get from studying science has never changed,” he said.

Piedmonte, who represented Ogden College of Science and Engineering students at the ceremony, thanked WKU President Gary Ransdell and Ogden College leadership for rebuilding the science campus.

WKU President Gary Ransdell said rebuilding the science campus has been a priority since 1997. (WKU photo by Clinton Lewis)

Dr. Ransdell said improving the science facilities has been a top priority since he returned to campus in 1997. “I’m delighted this is now under way,” he said of the Ogden College Hall project.

Renovations also are planned for Thompson Complex Central Wing and the Hardin Planetarium, Dr. Ransdell said.

Dr. Ransdell thanked House Speaker Pro Tem Jody Richards and called him “a champion for WKU” for his efforts to secure state funding for projects like Ogden College Hall and others over the past two decades.

“An academic building is truly exciting,” Richards said, noting that faculty and students will benefit from new facilities and new equipment. “It’s an exciting day and we look forward to coming back for the opening.”

Contact: Ogden College, (270) 745-4448