By TENA L. COOK, CSC Marketing Coordinator
CHADRON – The Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees approved the name for Chadron State College’s Math Science during its regular meeting last week. The Math Science building, which opened in 1970, will now be known as the Math Science Center of Innovative Learning (COIL). Renovation of the original building and the additional north wing received widespread support throughout the region last year when more than 40 organizations endorsed the project.
Nine representatives, including faculty, students, staff, and community members participated in the renaming discussion this spring. CSC alumna Tiffany Smith of Rapid City, South Dakota, who has experience leading branding and re-branding efforts, facilitated the discussions. The group indicated in its April recommendation that the new name represents the Math Science building well because it conveys the innovative learning that occurs, while also supporting concepts like integration, outreach, and motion.
President Randy Rhine said he is pleased with the Board of Trustees’ approval of the name.
“The new name is descriptive of the future purpose of the building and seems especially fitting now with the upcoming renovation and addition,” Rhine said.
This project will have a positive, far-reaching impact, Rhine added. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math students will have more opportunities for high-impact learning, as well as increased research opportunities. The facility will also enhance recruitment of students and faculty.
Faculty, staff, student employees, and professional movers have been transporting supplies, materials, and furnishings from the building to temporary office, classroom, and laboratory spaces across campus for the past several months to prepare for construction, scheduled to begin in November. Completion of the project is expected in February of 2022.
The Math Science building had long been the top construction project for the Board of Trustees. In May 2019, the budget for the renovation and addition was approved by the Nebraska Unicameral and Gov. Pete Ricketts. As part of the funding package, $4.525 million is required for the capital project, and the college and Chadron State Foundation are partnering to secure funding.
“The Chadron State Foundation continues to engage with supporters of Chadron State and the Math Science Initiative to ensure that the goals established through the design and development process can be met. Progress has certainly been made, but Chadron State still needs support to meet the goals of the building project and ensuring students pursuing degrees in math and the sciences have scholarship opportunities,” said Chadron State Foundation Chief Executive Officer Ben Watson.