PJC dedicates new Math & Science Building

Published or Revised January 14, 2013

Clearing skies shone down on the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Paris Junior College’s new Math & Science Building Thursday morning. PJC President Dr. Pamela Anglin welcomed a large crowd and introduced the PJC Board of Regents in attendance, as well as special guests from SHW and Balfour Beatty, the architectural firm and the construction manager at risk, respectively. Dr. Anglin gave an overview of the projects that had been completed since PJC began working with SHW in 2006, setting aside money into the Facilities Renewal and Replacement Fund. These include a $1.2 million replacement of 50-year plus pipes in the chilled loop system, a two-wing $7.5 million residence hall and the new $10.5 million Math and Science Building being dedicated. “Today we officially open the 42,000-square-foot facility with 15 classrooms with state-of-the-art technology,” said Dr. Anglin. “We have a 120-seat room that can be used for large college or continuing education meetings with a dividing wall that can separate into two 60-seat classrooms. We have three interactive television classrooms where we beam classes from this campus to small rural high schools. It gives us the opportunity to offer classes that we might not be able to otherwise offer, for example we have an engineering class this spring that’s taught here and beamed to the Greenville and Sulphur Springs campuses. The combined student numbers make offering the class feasible. “We also use the interactive television rooms for dual credit. We serve 28 high schools in our service area, and for those small rural high schools it gives us the ability to offer college credit classes at their campuses. We have state-of-the-art science labs with the latest technology.” She thanked those who PJC has worked with for as long as the last three years on the construction projects from SHW and Balfour Beatty. She also thanked the regents for their help, time they dedicate to the college and their support. “On behalf of the Board of Regents I certainly welcome you today to the dedication of the Math & Science Building,” said Regent President Curtis Fendley. “As you drive down Clarksville Street the panoramic view has changed, all for the positive. We’re very pleased at the construction of the facility. A special thanks goes to Dr. Anglin and her staff who not only brought the project in on time but on the money, and for creating an asset that will be used for generations to come by this community.” Mr. Fendley then led the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the building officially opened for tours. Classes begin Monday, Jan. 14.