Pittsburg State University broke ground on a new proof-out facility to further the university's education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, and earlier this week.
The facility creates new opportunities for student and staff collaboration and will bolster the region's economy. The 47,000-square-foot facility provides space and equipment for testing new materials, refining the manufacturing process, and commercializing ideas, according to a press release from the event.
Chris Childers is the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He says the future facility is unique for a college of PSU's size - and will position the university as a leader in material science.
"We're going to have a facility on campus where students, as well as our faculty and researchers, will engage daily with industry partners and apply what they're learning in the laboratory, in an actual manufacturing process, or in an actual production phase," said Childers.
The new facility, located on the east edge of campus next to the Tyler Research Center, is being built with $12 million in state, federal, and other funding.
Kansas' U.S. Representative Derek Schmidt was in attendance and thanked his predecessor, Jacob LaTurner, for helping secure the funding for the facility.
The Tyler Research Center is the home of the National Institute for Materials Advancement (NIMA). The new center aligns with the Kansas Board of Regents' strategic plan to promote and lead economic prosperity for the state and region, according to Ed McKechnie, Special Assistant for Government Affairs.
The term "prove-out" refers to the testing process of a material or item to verify its performance. According to Childers, "you need a place where you can build those products".
"Then also have access to laboratory facilities as you test and refine the product itself. So that's where you're proving out the creation of the new material," Childers said.
The facility is one of several ongoing construction projects on South Rouse Avenue in Pittsburg. The new Eagle Picher factory and the future Kansas Bureau of Investigations Crime Center will be constructed nearby.
PSU's Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Susan Bon, said the facility will bring the kind of access scientists and engineers dream of. "
"A space where ideas move seamlessly from the lab bench to real-world testing within its walls, we will see faculty and students working side by side with business and industry partners to prototype new materials," added Bon.
In attendance for the ceremony were representatives from Crossland Construction and Clark Huesemann. Both are contracted for the design and construction of the building. Members of the city commission and other city leaders were also in attendance.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, PSU President Thomas Newsom stated that the facility represents more than just a building; it signifies "continued momentum for the region's economy and shared future."
"Prove-out facility will be a place where ideas meet industry for our university and local businesses come together to strengthen southeast Kansas through innovation, workforce development and practical problem solving," Newsom said.
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