Kaine proposes funds for higher education
Posted on January 14, 2008
In an effort to bolster the Virginia economy, Gov. Timothy Kaine proposed a $1.65 billion bond package for higher education.
“The bond package centers largely on engineering, science, business and health professions,” Kaine said in his Wednesday State of the Commonwealth Address.
“It will support our higher education system’s continuing efforts to build a more talented workforce that is fully prepared to compete in a global economy.”
This package, invested over the next five to seven years, will provide facilities for researchers to develop new, cutting-edge technologies and turn them into commercial assets.
Pending approval from the General Assembly and a November general referendum, JMU would receive $96 million for campus construction projects. Among the projects included in the higher education package are the construction of a new biotechnology building and the renovation and expansion of Duke Hall.
The biotechnology building, expected to cost $44.8 million, would be located between the new ISAT Library and the Physics/Chemistry building on the east side of campus. This new structure will contribute to an ever-growing science corridor on that end of the university.
Arthur Benson, the vice provost for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, looks forward to the completed construction.
“The buildings on the east side of the interstate have focused mainly on the sciences and health,” Benson said. “This allows for faculty and students in science, engineering and mathematics to be closer together. So there’s more opportunity for collaboration and cross-departmental activities.”
Research in the biotechnology building will focus on the blending of biology and recent innovations in the life sciences – particularly on research into biofuels and other forms of alternative energy.
“That’s what’s exciting about this new building,” Benson said. “It will allow us to better address two issues that are very big concerns in our society – health and energy. Those are subjects that cut across many of the science and technology areas – chemistry, biology, mathematics and computer science. Having these academic units in such close proximity will allow for more collaboration among different disciplines.”
The proposed $43.4 million renovation and expansion of Duke Hall will create additional space for the visual and fine arts.
Leslie Bellavance, the department head for the School of Arts and Art History, shared Benson’s excitement over the higher education package.
“To say that the members of the SAAH community are thrilled about Kaine’s proposed legislation would be an understatement,” she said. “We are extremely pleased with the proposal and the potential it creates for the arts at JMU.”
The expansion of Duke Hall would allow more space for art students as well as provide state-of-the-art studios, exhibition spaces and classrooms.
“We secure our place in a hyper-competitive world by paying attention to the whole spectrum of our educational system,” said Kaine in his State of the Commonwealth Address. “It is a catalyst for progress: building critical skills, spurring new private sector investments and job creation, and allowing the natural talents and entrepreneurial ideas of our citizens to flourish.”
