BLINN COLLEGE OPENS NEW STEI BUILDING
Today (Friday) marked the beginning of a new era at Blinn College in Brenham.
College supporters gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the new Science, Technology, Engineering and Innovation Building. The $35.5 million facility stands three stories tall and measures at 72,000 square feet, providing expanded space and capabilities for Blinn’s science, engineering and health science programs.
Blinn Chancellor Dr. Mary Hensley said this project represents the largest capital improvement investment in the history of the Brenham campus.
The facility features 17,000 square feet of laboratory space and a 3,000-square-foot innovation center that includes a 3D printing lab, soldering space, robotics area and a space where students can work with interrelated computing devices. The innovation lab is equipped with a virtual reality space and a high-tech fabrication shop where students can use laser cutters to make precisely fitted materials.
A 1,449-square-foot engineering technology laboratory features open space for robot construction and experimentation, as well as specialized engineering equipment, including a process automation and pumps teaching system.
The second floor features the Betswest Foundation and Sally Blackie-Sengel Health Sciences Suite, which includes a nursing classroom and simulation and skills laboratories. In the nursing skills lab, students will gain hands-on experience in 10 simulation bays as well as an adjacent nurses’ station and debrief conference room.
On the second floor, the Atwood Kenjura Natural and Physical Sciences Suite features biology laboratories. On the third floor, the space features an organic chemistry and chemistry dual laboratory, microbiology lab, and two anatomy and physiology labs that are adjoined by a 533-square-foot prep room with a walk-in cooler.
The third floor also includes an outdoor terrace with seating, power and wifi connectivity, and a weather station to gauge and monitor local weather.
Following words from Dr. Hensley and other College representatives prior to a ribbon cutting ceremony, the public was invited on a tour through the facility. Dr. Hensley said the College will light the beacon in the tower at the top of the building this (Friday) evening to further celebrate its opening.
