Students, faculty celebrate grand opening of new STEM student space

ISSUED: 30 September 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV - Shepherd University officially opened a new space designed to support students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs.

University staff transformed an old computer lab in the Byrd C. Byrd Science Center into a flexible student space using money from the President's Club and part of a $20,000 grant received by joining the First2 Network, an organization that focuses on making sure rural, first-generation, low-income, and other underrepresented STEM students succeed.

Dr. Sytil Murphy, associate professor of physics at Shepherd, said faculty recognized the importance of having a space like this so close to the STEM facilities on campus.

"We envision the space as a place for our students to rest/study between their classes, for students to meet up to collaborate for tutoring and help sessions," Murphy said. "It is a space designed to facilitate all of the out-of-class activities in which our students participate."

Updates to the space included a deep clean, new furniture, and additional outlets for students.

Murphy said they hope to continue making additions to the STEM space by adding additional resources and tools for students to use in the future.

Murphy thanked the First2 Network, Shepherd University President Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix, Dr. Richard Stevens, associate provost for faculty affairs, and the Shepherd University Facilities staff during a grand opening celebration on September 30.

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