For 75 years, Science Hall on the campus of West Virginia University Potomac State College has served as a locus for experimentation and deep learning. Thanks to a combination of public and private support and cooperation across multiple entities, biology and chemistry laboratories will undergo a much-needed comprehensive renovation. The WVU Board of Governors approved the renovation project at their Nov. 7 meeting, greenlighting the modernization of classrooms.
“These renovations are critical for the future and vitality of WVU Potomac State College,” PSC President Jerry Wallace said. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had capital improvements in our classrooms, and it is essential in recruiting that we modernize these spaces to attract new students.”
The building was constructed in 1950 and remains a relic of that time. This project will primarily upgrade equipment and facilities as well as remediate airflow issues. In addition to providing a safer and more functional space for students and faculty, the renovation will address longstanding infrastructure deficiencies and enhance the learning environment.
“The STEM faculty have been advocating for an upgraded Science Hall for as long as I’ve been at the College — 19 years, said Erin Cunningham, STEM division chair and biology professor. “To finally see this vision becoming a reality is exciting and a little emotional.”
The project involves the renovation and reconfiguration of approximately 4,810 square feet of space, including laboratory and office areas. The scope of work includes asbestos abatement, installation of new casework and fume hoods, a new rooftop air handling unit, electrical and plumbing upgrades, new lighting, and refreshed finishes throughout the labs.
Cunningham said the new laboratories will offer “everything our students and faculty need to conduct their experiments more efficiently and safely.”
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the planning take shape,” she continued. “These upgrades will foster a more engaging and inspiring environment for teaching, learning, and discovery.”
The original project was funded through the State-HEPC deferred maintenance grant and budgeted at $2.3 million. Due to unforeseen challenges, the construction estimate came in over budget by $2.6 million for a total of $4.9 million. The cost increase was primarily due to required asbestos abatement, significant HVAC upgrades, and electrical enhancements to support new lab equipment.
After realizing the need to raise additional funds for the proposed project, leaders looked to identify new funding sources. WVU identified an approximately $1 million surplus from other HEPC deferred maintenance projects at Potomac State College to bring this number to $3.3 million.
In mid-October, the College hosted West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson during the 30th official county visit on his “Welcome Home Tour.” President Benson was joined by local legislators and officials from WVU Medicine.
“As our local legislators noted during a tour of the facility with President Benson, these classrooms look like artifacts from the 1950, which they are”, said President Wallace.
After the tour, Mark Boucot, president and CEO of WVU Medicine Potomac Valley Hospital and WVU Medicine Garrett Regional Medical Center, committed $1 million toward the renovation, primarily in support of the nursing program whose graduates go on to staff WVU Medicine facilities.
“WVU Medicine was delighted to invest in upgrading the science facilities at Potomac State College,” said Boucot. "The College's Health Sciences programs play an important role in graduating nursing staff and other critical health care workers to serve our communities.”
WVU School of Nursing Dean Tara Hulsey said educating and training nurses to support the needs of the workforce is critical. "On behalf of our Keyser Campus at PSC, we are incredibly thankful for this investment and support of our nursing students,” she said.
The remaining $600,000 will be funded by the WVU FY27 Capital Pool.
“We are so grateful for WVU Medicine and WVU for making these upgrades possible,” President Wallace said. “As the largest capital improvement we’ve seen in more than two decades, this signals to our prospective students and our community that WVU is committed to the success of Potomac State College and the important role this College serves in the WVU system.”
Construction will begin as soon as possible with the aim of completing the project before the Fall 2026 semester.
The last capital project for Science Hall was in 2010 to update the cooling system. Since then, there have been multiple feasibility studies and initial design studies to renovate the building.
“Science Hall remains critical to our mission, and in the past two years, we have heavily invested in the building,” said Micah Pears, director of facilities at WVU PSC. He noted that this includes $400,000 in HEPC funds for a roof replacement, $250,000 in WVU capital funding for a boiler replacement, $100,000 in congressional earmark funding for a lock and camera project, and $20,000 in internal funding for the renovation of a faculty lounge.