Senator Watermeier sponsors capital construction bill to benefit CSC

The projects include the renovation of the Math and Science Building at Chadron State, a renovation to the Theatre and Event Center at Peru State, and a new Applied Technology Center and renovation of Benthack Hall at Wayne State. College faculty, staff and students, as well as key constituents participated in the planning to assure the construction projects reflect the future needs of the students and the State.

Watermeier said after reviewing the plans completed by the state colleges, it was easy to see the importance and need for these projects, which will benefit students and the regions served by the colleges, and will also have an impact that extends throughout the entire State of Nebraska.

“The mission of the state colleges lies at the heart of what we do – providing high quality, affordable and accessible educational opportunities. Tied to our academic mission is our role in serving the communities and regions in which our colleges are located,” said NSCS Chancellor Stan Carpenter. “These proposed projects support collaboration among our academic programs and the engagement of our colleges in the regions we serve. I am extremely grateful to Senator Watermeier for his efforts on our behalf and his willingness to sponsor LB 755.”

The CSC Math and Science Building serves nearly every student who attends the college, through essential studies program courses, yet has seen minimal improvements since it was constructed in 1968.

Chadron State was the first to work collaboratively with the University of Nebraska Medical Center on the Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) in the early 1990s, which graduates a number of doctors, dentists, physical therapists, and other health professionals who work in rural Nebraska. This facility is an integral piece of that program and is in critical need of proposed $21.2 million renovation project. The resulting facility will also aid in the recruitment of students, in general, and the recruitment of students specifically interested in math and science.

Chair of the NSCS Board of Trustees Michelle Suarez also emphasized the importance of these projects.

“Each of these projects is critical to the state colleges and, in reality, to postsecondary education in Nebraska. The state colleges represent a long tradition of quality education. Students and community members are afforded the opportunity to participate in programs and community events that enrich their lives and make Nebraska a better place to live,” Suarez said.