The University of North Alabama, the Shoals legislative delegation and the City of Florence broke ground this week on the school’s new 45,000-square-foot computing and mathematics building.
The facility will allow the university to house all computing programs in the Computer Science & Information Systems department, as well as the Department of Mathematics. It will double the size of its computing programs and number of graduates, in direct collaboration with industry partners, to meet burgeoning workforce demand in the technology sector throughout the region.
The expansion is the result of funding from the State of Alabama, the Shoals Economic Development Authority and the City of Florence for a total of more than $20 million.
“This project is a critical component in the institution’s ongoing role as Alabama’s Workforce Development University,” said UNA president Dr. Ken Kitts. “We are grateful for the partnerships we have with the Legislative Delegation from the Shoals, the City of Florence and the Shoals EDA who helped make this project a reality and that will allow us to maintain our commitment to producing workforce-ready graduates to fill in-demand jobs in the area, the region, and throughout the State of Alabama.”
Dr. Ross Alexander, provost and Executive vice president for Academic Affairs, said the new facility was another example of UNA’s commitment to workforce development, innovation and student success.
“As evidenced by our rapidly growing computing programs, UNA degrees lead immediately to high-paying jobs for our graduates, right here in Alabama,” he added.
Representatives from the Shoals Legislative Delegation as well as the City of Florence were on hand for the ceremony.
“I am proud to have worked with this administration at UNA,” said State Sen. Tim Melson (R-Florence). “They have great advocates and leaders. This (project) is long overdue, but this is just the beginning of working with UNA.”
Construction, which is expected to be complete in summer 2023, also includes a total renovation of Founders Hill and Memorial Amphitheater. This will provide a comprehensive repurposing in this central area of campus, which is often used for outdoor events, impromptu class sessions and as a meeting place for students.
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