"At Houghton College, we are compelled to bring healing and wholeness, both spiritually and physically, on our earth."
Keith A. Horn '75
Associate Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Houghton College Dedicates Science Building Expansion

Houghton College recently completed a $4.1 million expansion of the Paine Science Center. The 24 classrooms, teaching and research laboratories, offices, study areas, instrument room and machine shop which net 16,000 square feet, meet the teaching pedagogies of the next decade.

The addition of new space has created optimal areas for program elements that did not exist when the Paine Science Center was constructed 41 years ago. Examples include the biochemistry, genetics, cell culture, biology instrumentation and physics research laboratories.

The laboratory and classroom spaces are designed with reconfigurable furnishings that allow flexibility for multipurpose use. This design feature allows classes to be taught in the current and effective 'lecture laboratory' style and the overall design elements lead to cross-disciplinary integration, a hallmark of today's research academe and business processes. Wireless technology is built in, and all materials, HVAC elements and construction are in line with a future Silver LEED energy certification.

When coupled with the overall facility, the new spaces effectively accommodate the approximately 230 current science and mathematics majors that include nearly 70 pre-medical students. With a strong history of science and mathematics graduates, Houghton currently has over 3,000 living science alumni, and continues to prepare students to become global contributors empowered by a challenging education, grounded in a relevant Christian context.

Quick Facts

CONSTRUCTION

16,098 net square feet

11 labs, five classrooms, four offices, math student study library, machine shop, faculty lounge and kitchenette

Woods: native black cherry & maple

Start date: December 2, 2010

Occupancy date: August 29, 2011

NATURAL SCIENCE AND MATH DIVISION

Majors offered: Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Math, Computer Science, Physics, Applied Physics

230 majors

70 pre-medical students

19 faculty

More than 3,000 living natural science and math alumni