Texas Tech University Celebrates Opening of New Academic Building

Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new, 130,000-square-foot Academic Sciences Building (ASB), according to a news release. The facility stands three stories and broke ground about two and a half years ago. It plays home to five academic departments in the College of Arts & Sciences: Biological Sciences, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Geosciences, Physics & Astronomy, and Psychological Sciences.

It will also house four core interdisciplinary research labs (human sampling, a clean room, biosafety level 2, and biosafety level 3), as well as academic classrooms, general laboratory and research space, faculty offices, and public gathering spaces, the news release reports. The building’s courtyard includes an IGOR telescope from White Sands Missile Range.

“The Academic Sciences Building is a testament to Texas Tech’s vision for the future while honoring the traditional beauty of our campus,” said Lawrence Schovanec, Texas Tech President. “As the first building to open in our university’s second century, it embodies our commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, cutting-edge research and exceptional student experiences.”

The project cost $112.5 million, $12.5 million of which came from an appropriation from the Texas Legislature during its 2021 session.

“This space will allow not only existing students to thrive and reach new heights but will have significant impact on our ability to attract future students and additional outstanding faculty,” said Tosha Dupras, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. “I look forward to two weeks from now, when the hallways, classrooms and labs will be filled with students and faculty.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Moline-Coal Valley School District to Consolidate Two Schools into New Facility

    The Moline-Coal Valley School District in Moline, Ill., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff from two existing schools, according to local news. Robert Ontiveros Elementary School will serve as the new home for Lincoln-Irving Elementary School and Willard Elementary School.

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • Pitzer College

    Designing for Change in Higher Ed Learning Environments

    Higher education will continue to evolve, and learning environments must evolve with it. By prioritizing adaptable infrastructure, thoughtful reuse, strong energy performance, and wellness-centered design, campuses can create spaces that support learning today while remaining flexible for the future.

  • Cal Poly Humboldt Starts Construction on Healthcare Education Hub

    California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt in Arcata, Calif., recently announced that work has begun on a renovation project that will turn the Stewart Building into a new Healthcare Education Hub, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Sundt Construction Inc. for construction services.