Enjoy this look at the construction of the Jim and Thomas Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation — the largest single construction project in the history of the Oxford campus projected to join the nation’s top student-centered learning environments for STEM education. With a focus on increasing job opportunities and boosting the economy, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, leaders and brothers Jim and Thomas Duff committed $26 million to the construction of the 202,000-square-foot building. Its $175 million total project cost includes roughly $135 million in construction expenses.
In a joint statement, Jim and Thomas Duff expressed their hopes for the new facility.
“Our family firmly believes that the future of Mississippi is favorably influenced by education and we are proud to support this particular project at the University of Mississippi. We are confident that this state-of-the-art STEM facility will have a long-term impact on the lives of students at Ole Miss who are learning the value of hard work and unique skills to benefit them for a lifetime. Additionally, the state of Mississippi will enjoy the benefits of this important facility for many years to come.
“Job creation, economic development, improved quality of life and so much more will be priceless benefits of this endeavor and it’s a legacy in which we are honored to be included.”
The Duff Center will house lecture halls as well as chemistry, biology, physics, engineering and computer science labs. Lower student-instructor ratios will be in place, and various disciplines will be spread throughout the building to promote interdisciplinary teaching and learning.
Among other building highlights, students will enjoy technology-enabled active learning, or TEAL, traditional labs and a 3D visualization lab, similar to a small IMAX theater. Engineering students will have access to dedicated lab spaces, including fabrication and testing equipment, for their senior design projects.
The Gertrude C. Ford Foundation, of Jackson, committed $20 million to the facility and later pledged another $5 million for the gardens that will surround the building, including a commemorative area honoring renowned author William Faulkner.
For more information on supporting the STEM facility, contact Charlotte Parks at cpparks@olemiss.edu or 662-915-3120; or visit http://give.olemiss.edu. Other naming opportunities are available inside the Duff Center.