Tennessee State University Gains Approval for New Engineering Facility

Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tenn., recently announced that it has received approval from the Tennessee State Building Commission to build a new engineering building on campus, according to a university news release. The 70,000-square-foot, $50-million facility will play home to the university’s engineering programs and the Applied & Industrial Technology program, providing a consolidated complex for innovation, research, and collaboration. Construction will begin later this year and has an estimated completion date of summer 2027.

“Over the years, our college has experienced significant growth in students, faculty, research, and academic programs,” said Dr. Lin Li, Dean of the College of Engineering. “This facility will provide a world-class space that enhances interdisciplinary collaboration across six undergraduate programs, three master’s programs, and one Ph.D. program. It will also host innovative engineering activities that directly benefit the metro Nashville area and Middle Tennessee.”

The facility features classrooms; computer labs; and a combined total of 30 teaching and research labs, including a Future Energy Lab, Drone Flight and Air Traffic Lab, and an Additive Manufacturing Lab, the news release reports. The university partnered with Melvin Gill & Associates and Bauer Askew Architecture for the project’s design.

“The new engineering building is the first step in elevating Tennessee State University’s engineering program to meet the demands of industry and the state of Tennessee,” said Will Radford, the university’s assistant vice president of Planning, Design, and Construction. “By establishing new partnerships and providing modern facilities, we are positioning TSU engineering students to not only keep pace but to set standards in the industry.”

About the Author

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

Featured

  • South Carolina District Starts Construction on $50M Middle School Renovation

    The Aiken County Public School District in North Augusta, S.C., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the $50-million renovation and expansion of North Augusta Middle School, according to a news release. The project’s funding comes from the 2024 renewal of a one-cent sales tax approved by local voters.

  • University of Arizona Approves New Residence Hall

    The Arizona Board of Regents recently approved plans for a new residence hall at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz., according to a news release. The new facility is scheduled to open in fall 2028 and have the capacity for more than 1,200 students, enforcing a new university expectation that all first-year students live on campus.

  • Wisconsin District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    The School District of La Crosse in La Crosse, Wis., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff of two existing schools, according to local news. Funding for the school comes from a $53-million referendum approved in 2024.

  • 144-Year-Old High-School Campus Debuts New Academic Facility

    San Diego High School (SDHS) in San Diego, Calif., recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new student services and classroom building; the project is part of a larger SDHS Whole Site Modernization project that began in 2022.