LUBBOCK, Texas (PRESS RELEASE) – Representatives from Texas Tech University, the Texas Tech University System and other community stakeholders celebrated the official opening of the Academic Sciences Building (ASB) today (August 9) during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, just as a new academic year is on the horizon.

Just two and a half years after breaking ground, the three-story, 12,000-square-foot space became the newest academic facility on Texas Tech’s campus. It is located just west of the chemistry and science buildings. The early morning event was held in the courtyard of the building, which houses an IGOR telescope from the 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 Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec. “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 ASB includes teaching and laboratory space for five departments of the College of Arts & Sciences: Biological Sciences, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics & Astronomy, and Psychology.

“This space will not only allow existing students to thrive and reach new heights, but it will also significantly impact our ability to attract future students and more 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.”

In addition to the five academic departments, the building will house four central interdisciplinary research laboratories: a cleanroom, a human sample collection laboratory, and a biosafety level 2 and 3 laboratory.

Project planning began in November 2020, with construction crews moving 25,500 cubic yards of earth for the basement in 35 days. The concrete structure required 1,000 trucks carrying 10,000 cubic yards of concrete, 1,000 tons of rebar and 39,000 feet of prestressing cable.

On the west side of the building is a medallion commemorating Texas Tech’s recently concluded centennial celebration. The hand-carved medallion features the symbol of the atom in recognition of science and a double T in the center with the years 1923-2023.

The $112.5 million facility was funded in part by a $12.5 million appropriation approved by the Texas Legislature during the 2021 session and higher education funds. The ASB features the familiar Spanish Renaissance architecture typical of the Texas Tech campus and includes state-of-the-art, hands-on classrooms, laboratory and research space, as well as faculty offices and space for student interaction.

“This will be a place of collaboration and innovation for some of our greatest minds to develop solutions to the needs of our fellow citizens in West Texas, our state and the world,” said Mark Griffin, chairman of the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents. “This building is unique in that it bridges everything Texas Tech has accomplished over the past 100 years and everything that is still possible.”

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