Claflin University breaks ground on biotech center

Claflin University kicked off construction on its future Center for Biotechnology and Innovation with a groundbreaking on March 20.

The university says the center will expand faculty and student research, providing students hands-on experience with advanced technology that will transform in-class and online pedagogy. Claflin STEM graduates will be even more prepared for leadership positions in the fast-paced tech industry, the university said in a news release.

The two-story facility will encompass nearly 32,000 square feet and sit between Magnolia Street and Goff Avenue.  A portion of the building’s footprint will cover what was formerly Dunwalton, the official residence of Claflin presidents.

Dwaun J. Warmack, Claflin’s ninth president, said the groundbreaking ceremony was historic because in 1971 — 55 years ago — Dunwalton became the official residence for Claflin’s presidents.

“But it was not always the president’s home,” Warmack said in the release. “Prior to 1971, the president’s residence was located at the present site of the James S. Thomas Science Center.

However, the president and board of trustees recognized that a new facility was necessary to enable Claflin to recruit and retain talented STEM students, the release stated. That led to the decision to tear down the president’s residence and build the James S. Thomas Science Center and Dunwalton as the new presidential residence.

“That was 1971, and JST is still our premier science facility,” Warmack said. “We cannot compete in the marketplace for the best STEM graduates with a 1971 facility. So, the board agreed it was imperative that we build the Center for Biotechnology and Innovation to compete for outstanding STEM scholars. I want to express my gratitude to South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn for his support in securing a grant of more than $17.4 million from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.”

Claflin was the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) to receive NIST-Construction funding, the release stated.

The center will be the new home for Claflin’s biotechnology, computer science, computer engineering, and cybersecurity programs. The facility will feature advanced specialized labs for biotechnology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and robotics, as well as flexible space classrooms, 3D printing and rapid prototyping.

“Just think, 55 years later, our current Board of Trustees decided to remove the president’s home to build a state-of-the-art biotechnology, AI, computer science, and computer engineering building so Claflin could be a thought leader in this country,” Warmack said in the release. “It’s amazing how throughout our history, Claflin has been at the forefront in STEM.”

Verlie Tisdale, vice provost and former dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, said the Center for Biotechnology and Innovation provides Claflin with a state-of-the-art facility featuring advanced technology that will improve data science efficiency by leveraging emerging biotechnology methods and processes.

“AI, virtual, and augmented reality will create immersive, interactive and experiential learning environments that will enhance online learning,” Tisdale said in the release.

Sade Richards, a first-year student from Ellenwood, Ga., is excited about the new facility and how it will expand and enhance student research.

“I am looking forward to more research opportunities and more labs with advanced and emerging technologies,” said Richards, a biology major and member of the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College.  “I believe the Center for Biotechnology and Innovation is going to raise awareness for Claflin and our STEM programs.”

“This building represents the future of learning discovery,” said Donovan A. Everett, CEO of D.A. Everett Construction Group, who managed the construction project.

“Our responsibility is not just to build a facility, but to deliver it with excellence, safety, accountability, and to honor Claflin’s vision every step of the way,” he said in the release. “Together we’re committed to delivering a facility that represents Claflin’s Legacy, supports its academic mission, and inspires innovation for generations. This building is an investment in students, the faculty and the Orangeburg community.”

Floyd Cline II, managing principal for designers Perkins&Will, said it was inspiring to see Claflin University continue to blaze new trails in higher education while providing students with world‑class opportunities.

“The Center for Biotechnology and Innovation is a powerful example of Claflin’s commitment to excellence,” Cline said in the release.  “Perkins&Will is proud to partner with the university to create a facility that not only supports cutting‑edge research and learning but also empowers the next generation of innovators and leaders.”

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