UGA and the Franklin College celebrated the renovation of a 71-year old cattle barn as a modern classroom and laboratory building in a dedication ceremony on Oct. 22 at the University of Georgia’s Skidaway Institute of Oceanography:
UGA President Jere W. Morehead presided over the ceremony, which capped the yearlong renovation of the reinforced concrete and steel beam structure that is now known as the Ocean Sciences Instructional Center.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era at the Skidaway Institute as this renovated facility will greatly enhance the educational and outreach capacity of this unique part of the University of Georgia,” said Morehead. “We are especially grateful to our state and local leaders for their support of the project. The Ocean Sciences Instructional Center will support every program at the institute, helping our faculty, staff and students carry out UGA’s vital sea-grant mission.”
The ceremony also included comments from Board of Regents Chair Don Waters, who represents the 1st Congressional District on the University System of Georgia Board of Regents, and department of marine sciences doctoral student Kun Ma, who is based at Skidaway.
Research capacity on the coast continues to ramp-up at a critical time for our state and the region. Congratulations to the faculty and students who are already using this teaching and laboratory facility.
Image: The renovated Ocean Sciences Instructional Center at Skidaway Island. (Photos by Dorothy Kozlowski/UGA)