New lab opened on Floyd campus
With an influx in enrollment, Georgia Highlands College has renovated and updated a lab on the Floyd campus to accommodate more students and provide a more contemporary lab experience.
GHC Laboratory Assistant Paulette Jordon explained that the lab was originally two separate classrooms, but in 1992, the wall separating the room was opened up to expand.
The newest renovation, however, better utilizes the open space, she added.
GHC Lab Coordinator Jason Christian helped design the new lab, noting the old space was outdated.
He stated that the previous space was a combination or mismatched tables and benches that were positioned so that instructors had difficulty accessing students. The room was also originally designed for two different lab rooms and had little storage space and inadequate electrical and water to run a modern lab.
"When I designed the new lab, I made it as open and non-constrictive as possible. The layout of the student benches allows for more one-on-one interaction between the faculty and students,” Christian said.
“The materials we selected for the furniture are made of painted steel that should last more than 20 years with minimum maintenance,” he added. “The remainder of the room was refinished with new electrical, water, floors, and wall paint to give a modern look rivaled by few institutions in the state."
Natural Science & Physical Education Dean Gregory Ford said that this new lab falls in line with the division’s mission to ensure students are well-prepared for STEM careers and/or STEM transfer programs following the completion of an associate degree at GHC.
“To prepare our students for these endeavors, we have to provide them a 21st century education,” Ford said. “Our investment in laboratory resources and facilities will allow our graduates to be competitive in the job market, as well as give them the skills they need to excel within the university system.”
A ribbon cutting was held for the new lab in January just in time for the spring semester.
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PHOTO: GHC President Don Green (center) joins Natural Science & Physical Education Dean Gregory Ford, GHC Laboratory Assistant Paulette Jordon and several GHC students as GHC Lab Coordinator Jason Christian cuts the ribbon for the newly renovated lab on the Floyd campus.