Georgia Southern University opens Engineering and Research Building on Statesboro campus

STATESBORO, Ga. (WTGS) — A ribbon cutting ceremony, with a robot and people, celebrating the new engineering and research building opening at Georgia Sothern's Statesboro campus. Students will start attending classes in the building Monday morning.

This new space will now serve 2,000 engineering students who will learn and innovate within the building.

"As we stand in the state of art 140,625 square foot learning center, complete with 21 research and manufacturing labs, classrooms and collaborations spaces," said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero.

TRENDING: Perdue concedes Georgia Senate runoff race

A building that was finished on time and within the budget with an additional 5,000 square feet from the original plan.

"Georgia Southern started it engineering technology program in 1970. So it’s only fitting that we commemorate over 50 years of engineering at Georgia Southern with the grand opening of this dynamic learning center" said Regent C. Everett Kennedy III.

Georgia Power President Chris Womack says they’ve hired more than 60 students from the school in the last five years.

"In 2011, the engineering school was formalized, and has grown to be the second largest school in the state preparing over 4,000 engineers to serve Georgia businesses and industries," said Womack.

TRENDING: Savannah company adds new senior center to old building

A senior in the ROTC program James Miles says he is excited for the new opportunities the space will provide.

"Collaboration with fellow students, world-class faculty and engineering partners, to engaging and in-depth projects, to solving meaningful problems and learning from professionals who have real world experience. It’s because of opportunities like this that my former and future fellow students are able to build successful careers and it’s because of my experience here at Georgia Southern that I too will soon be equipped to make a meaningful contribution to the workforce," said Miles/

Guest speakers say this building will be a trademark for the institution for years to come. Georgia Power says they will be sponsor the naming of a conference room within the building as a reminder that they support and believe in the engineers that will graduate from the university.