Franklin College Making Big Science Play
(Image courtesy of Franklin College)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowFranklin College trustees have approved a big project designed to create "a new generation of scientists." Plans call for a new science center on campus to support ongoing efforts to better align the curriculum with work force needs.
The full scope of the project has not yet been announced. In 2011, Franklin’s science faculty members reconfigured coursework with the help of business, industry and national associations.
Natural Sciences Division Head Steve Browder said "the renovated and expanded science facility, coupled with our ‘learning science by doing science’ curriculum, will engage students in project-based learning, cross-functional collaboration, research opportunities as early as the freshman year, and sharpened oral and written scientific communication skills. Graduates with these kinds of educational experiences and training are highly sought after by employers and graduate schools."
A groundbreaking is slated for May and construction could begin soon after. President Thomas Minar calls it a "tremendously exciting time" for Franklin and says "the college embraces its responsibility to prepare graduates to become stronger leaders in the science sector and to invigorate our region’s economic and cultural future. We are grateful for the remarkable philanthropy of our trustees, alumni, friends and organizations who have given so generously for this project to date. We look forward to engaging additional support for this critical project to complete the campaign for the sciences."
Officials say they are aiming for a fall 2018 move-in. You can read more about the center by clicking here.