Staff Promotions
Pfluger Architects in Austin, Texas, recently announced that it has appointed business leader Lauren Paver as its new Chief Operating Officer, according to a news release. In her new role, she’ll lead operational strategies for the firm’s five locations and 130 employees in Texas.
New Construction
College Station ISD (CSISD) in College Station, Texas, recently held a grand opening ceremony for the district’s new Agriculture Science Center (ASC), according to a news release. Amenities include about a hundred pens for animal housing, washing and grooming stations specialized by animal species, and a practice arena.
New Construction
The Georgia Gwinnett College (GCC) Gateway Building and Infrastructure project in Lawrenceville, Ga., is on track for its November 2024 completion date, according to a news release.
New Construction
Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., recently announced that construction has begun on a new performing arts center for the campus, according to a news release. The David E. and Stacey L. Goel Center for Creativity & Performance will serve as the new home for the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.), as well as a wide variety of performances, public gatherings, teaching opportunities, and international research.
New Construction
North Dakota State University in Fargo, N.D., recently announced that construction is complete on its newest agricultural facility. The Peltier Complex will play home to research in fields like food science, meat science, muscle biology, food safety and nutrition, consumer sensory traits, and developing new agricultural products, according to a news release.
Life Safety
Commercial loudspeaker manufacturer Quam recently announced the release of its UL24 Series, a tile-replacement loudspeaker featuring both a paging speaker and a fire signaling speaker, according to a news release.
Campus Technology
K–12 virtual reality technology solutions company Avantis Education recently announced that it has received an Educators Pick Best of STEM 2024 Award, according to a news release. For the second consecutive year, Avantis’ ClassVR product won the category of “Trailblazer: Immersive Reality (AR/VR).”
Staff Promotions
Architectural planning and design firm PBK recently named Danny Berger as the new Managing Principal for its Dallas office, according to a news release. He’ll fill the role following the retirement of Rick Blan on Oct. 31 after almost 30 years with the firm.
Research
Furniture solutions manufacturer KI recently announced alongside the Center for Advanced Design Research and Evaluation (CADRE) that it will become a founding sponsor for the Coalition for the Advanced Understanding of School Environments (CAUSE). A news release reports that the coalition’s research will focus on the relationship between K–12 physical environments and educational outcomes.
Campus Technology
Digital learning company Pearson has launched several new AI-powered tools to help provide students personalized help from within their e-textbooks or study platforms.
Campus Technology
Purdue University has officially opened a new gaming lounge for students training and competing in esports as well as casual gamers. The institution partnered with Dell Technologies to outfit the 2,000-square-foot-space with Alienware gaming equipment.
New Construction
Forte Construction Corp. recently announced that it has completed construction on P.S. 487, a new four-story elementary school in the South Bronx, according to a news release. The school is open for the current academic year and will serve more than 500 students in grades PreK–5.
Dining and Food Service
The Chef Ann Foundation recently announced that it has awarded 29 grants to 15 school districts around the U.S. to go toward purchasing milk in bulk instead of single-serve containers. The Bulk Milk program is in its second year and provides recipients with the equipment, training, and materials required for schools to make the shift, according to a news release.
New Construction
Part of a whole-site modernization project at Mira Mesa High School in San Diego, Calif., recently reached a construction milestone. The final steel beam of the new classroom and student services facility was put into place, completing the building’s structural framework.
New Construction
Saint Francis University in Loretto, Penn., recently held a Blessing and Dedication ceremony for its new Aviation Education Center at the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport, according to a news release. The building’s opening coincides with the inaugural year of the university’s FAA-certified Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) program.
Campus Renovations
Riverside City College recently announced the completion of a $29.3-million renovation project, according to a news release. The college partnered with Nineteen Six Architects and builder C.W. Driver Companies to convert a 1960s-era academic building into a new Business, Law, and Computer Information Systems Building.
New Construction
Multidisciplinary consultancy Pick Everard recently announced that construction is complete on a new specialist school for students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs in Shepshed, Leicestershire, England, according to a news release. Bowman Academy will open in September 2024 and serve students ages 4–16.
Staff Promotions
Architectural planning and design firm PBK recently announced the hiring of a new Chief Strategy & Growth Officer for its office in Houston, Texas, who will lead the firm’s strategic growth initiatives like mergers and acquisitions.
New Construction
Rock Ridge Public Schools in Virginia, Minn., recently announced that construction of the district’s newest elementary school is complete. North Star Elementary cost $28.5 million and has the capacity for 600 students in grades 3–6, according to a news release.
Campus Technology
Property operations and maintenance software provider Facilio has onboarded three new education institutions, the company announced in a press release. Breck School in Minnesota, Purdue University Fort Wayne in Indiana, and Acorn Early Years in the United Kingdom will all implement Facilio's Connected CMMS suite.