The Central Community College Foundation has announced the public phase of their capital campaign to fund an expansion and remodeling project involving the Center for Science and Technology at their Columbus Campus. CCC-Columbus President Dr. Kathy Fuchser tells KTIC News about all the different features the Center for Science and Technology will have once the project is complete.
The Center for Science and Technology will offer cutting-edge science and nursing labs and interactive learning spaces featuring state-of-the-art instructional equipment technology to inform student learning outcomes and fill industry demands. Once complete, the facility will increase to an estimated 33,500 square feet, more than twice as large as the existing space.
Once complete, the Center for Science and Technology will have five distinct projected outcomes:
- Increased programming opportunities for students ranging from elementary and middle school to retired community members seeking exposure to careers, lifelong learning and experience with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) areas.
- Preparing nursing graduates for practical and registered nursing exams, the workforce and transfer into bachelor of science in nursing programs.
- Using a virtual innovation lab to enhance learning experiences for students in all programs.
- Increased awareness and interest in transfer for pre-professional programs.
- Modernized and efficient learning spaces for science and nursing.
The virtual innovation lab is of note as it will allow faculty to immerse students in a three-dimensional learning environment. These technologies will enable students to do such things as practice a speech in front of a simulated audience, stand within a cell or a strand of DNA or complete virtual workforce training.
Dr. Fuchser talks about the financial aspect of the project with KTIC News.
Anyone wanting to donate to the project can do so by going to the Colleges Website, cccneb.edu.
“I have been very pleased to see the strong support for this project, which is going to be a reality due to the incredible support from Columbus, the surrounding areas and donors throughout the state,” said Executive Director Dean Moors. “This is our first major gift campaign in Columbus, and I know it’s going to be special and make a difference long term in the lives of students and businesses.”
The long-term impact of this project on the Columbus Campus is three-fold: individual student success, continued community partnerships and innovative technology solutions.
“Each student matters at CCC – students enrolling for the first time, seeking job training, lifelong learners,” said Columbus Campus President Dr. Kathy Fuchser. “We are community-minded – employing local residents, offering affordable education and partnering with businesses to support workforce needs with facilities that emphasize collaboration and innovation. We are especially proud that 93 percent of our Central graduates remain as full-time employees in our service area.”
Columbus Community Hospital (CCH), which provided a significant donation for the project, is looking forward to the long-term impact that the improved Center for Science and Technology will have.
“The renovation and expansion of the nursing and science facilities will impact CCH by raising the overall quality of the educational program and experience for students, ensuring a steady flow of highly qualified professionals for our hospital for many years to come,” said CCH President/CEO Michael Hansen.
Dr. Fuchser says the two-phase project, which site preparation is expected to start for next week, also includes a remodel of the East Education Center with the hope of having things wrapped up by the Summer of 2022.
