Tusculum receives $381,170 ARC grant for new facility

Tusculum College has received a $381,170 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to purchase instructional equipment to enhance the academic programs housed in the new Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Math.

The grant will be used to purchase equipment for programs in biology, chemistry, environmental science, math, geology, physics, computer science and nursing, according to Michelle Arbogast, director of foundation and donor relations at the college.

“This contribution from the Appalachian Regional Commission will have a tremendous impact on the region for years to come,” said Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of Tusculum College. “The purchase of state-of-the-art instructional equipment will allow Tusculum College to enhance the educational programs and achievements of students to strengthen the capacity of the Appalachian Region to compete in the global economy through workforce and economic development.”

The Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Math will replace Tredway Hall, long known as Science Hall, on the Tusculum College campus as the home of science and math. Tredway was constructed in 1928 for a much smaller student population, at a time when scientific research and instrumentation was much different.

The new Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Math will also bring changes to the teaching of math and the sciences at Tusculum College. More spacious classrooms will accommodate students comfortably, with ready access to technology. Labs will incorporate the latest instrumentation and safety features. With additional labs, all students will have the opportunity for hands-on experiences in scientific research.

Tusculum First is designed to address the college’s areas of greatest need including a new center for science and math, growth of academic programs, endowed scholarships, student life improvements, technology, an environmental resources and facilities center and support to the Tusculum Fund.