The School of Education moves to the heart of campus for the first time in decades.
It’s not just the new space that has Associate Dean and Professor of Education Catherine Gillespie excited about teaching in the new Collier-Scripps Hall, it’s the increased opportunity for collaboration and connectedness that comes with moving to the heart of campus.
Collier-Scripps Hall is part of the STEM@DRAKE project, which began in 2016 with the renovation of several labs and classrooms in Harvey Ingham Hall and will conclude with the construction of the Ray Promenade, scheduled to be complete later this year.
The four-level, 55,000-square-foot building opened its doors in August, just in time for faculty and staff to move in before the first day of classes. The building is home to the School of Education (SOE), which has been located on the outskirts of campus along University Avenue for the last 26 years.
“The new building will increase visibility for the SOE and make it easier to collaborate with other disciplines,” said Gillespie. “We share students with a number of other departments, so I’m looking forward to creating new synergies and better connecting with the rest of campus.”
Gillespie also said the “newness” and “high-techness” of the building will be a real draw for prospective students. “It’s an impressive and attractive building that elevates our programs and demonstrates that the University is committed to and cares about education.”
Equipped with wireless display screens and windows lining the walls, the classrooms have a modern and cutting-edge feel. There are no podiums or front desks, just tables and chairs on wheels that encourage an interactive learning environment.
Other features of the building include adjustable sit/stand desks in offices; a variety of collaborative and informal meeting spaces, including comfy chairs and small-group glass enclaves; and a lower level conference room called the “think tank.”
In addition to the School of Education, Collier-Scripps Hall serves students in math and computer sciences and is home to the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center and the Instructional Material Center.
Learn more about Collier-Scripps Hall and the vision behind the STEM@DRAKE project at www.drake.edu/buildingstem.