The University of the Virgin Islands unveiled the new home of its College of Science and Mathematics on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix on Saturday, Oct. 26.
UVI’s Student Government Association President Kevin Dixon, right, leads a tour of lab facilities in the new home of the College of Science and Mathematics during its unveiling Saturday, Oct. 26. Shown, from left, are UVI Trustees Carol Fulp, Jacqueline Sprauve, Edward Thomas and Jennifer Nugent-Hill.
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Located in the recently completed UVI Research and Technology Park building, the College’s facilities on St. Croix now feature two modern videoconference-ready classrooms, two state-of-the art laboratories, and offices for 13 faculty and staff. These are located on two levels and account for more than 8,000 square feet of floor space.
During a brief opening ceremony, UVI Board of Trustees Chairman Alexander Moorhead called the facilities impressive. “I look forward to this being just one of the steps on our path to greatness,” he said. UVI President Dr. David Hall called the opening “a wonderful, bright and exciting day for the University of the Virgin Islands.”
“This is another step, and major step, on our pathway to greatness,” Dr. Hall said, noting that it represents phase two of a four-phase program designed to enhancing facilities at the University. Phase one was the construction of the West Hall residence hall on the St. Thomas Campus. A new multi-purpose facility on St. Croix and a new science building on St. Thomas are phases three and four of the plan.
Dr. Hall said the new College of Science and Mathematics facilities serve as a symbol of the importance of science on St. Croix’s Sheen Campus. “This, today, is a stake in the ground around student success … When you see the facilities you will understand how they will inspire our students to achieve even more. The labs that now exist will permit us to offer courses on this campus that we have not been able to offer in the past,” he said. “I believe that this is a step towards us being able to offer science degrees on our St. Croix Campus.”
Dr. Sandra Romano, UVI’s Interim Dean of Science and Mathematics, called the unveiling exciting and momentous. “This new space is going to allow our students and our faculty to truly be at the forefront of science in the 21st century,” she said. The facilities, with all Science and Mathematics offices and classrooms in close proximity, “will provide a locus for students to gather together and for faculty to gather to work together, creating a much better learning environment,” she said. “The proximity to the Technology Park will support the emergence of collaborative initiatives and promote student internships, helping to put us at the forefront of science in the territory.”
The University’s Mathematics and Computer Science programs will be located on the first floor, with the Biology and Chemistry programs housed on the second floor. The additional classrooms add significantly to the campus’ seating capacity for day and evening classes. Designed to be environmentally responsible and resource-efficient, the building incorporates LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – program requirements. The project architect was Renee M. D’Adamo and the general contractor was Celestine Construction, LLC.
The new home of UVI’s College of Science and Mathematics on St. Croix is located in the recently
completed Research and Technology Park on the Albert A. Sheen Campus.