New Construction Project Promises to Bring Lincoln U into the 21st Century

“High school facilities have been superior … but we will change the face of Lincoln University.”

 That was University President Ivory Nelson at the groundbreaking of the new $40.5 million dollar science building. When it is complete, the Science and General Classroom High Technology Building will be the second largest structure on campus. It will house seven computer labs, 10 high tech classrooms, and 21 labs for biology, chemistry, and physics. 

At 113,000 square feet, this building will place Lincoln far ahead of many of its fellows HBCUs in terms of the construction of state-of-the-art science and technology facilities. I expect to see a dramatic increase not only in the number of Black science majors who graduate from Lincoln, but also in the share of all U.S. Black science graduates who complete their studies at this institution.

I believe that in the coming years we can expect to see Lincoln take its place beside Florida A&M and Xavier University as top producers of African American scientists; and with the addition of a third well-funded, technologically current science facility, we should also see greater numbers of Black America’s strongest young minds in the sciences applying to study at HBCUs.

In constructing this new and up-to-date science facility, Lincoln University is creating additional options for Black high school seniors some of whom have felt forced to choose between a historically Black institution and a top quality academic program. This perception has created obstacles in many Black colleges’ efforts to draw significant numbers of National Merit and National Achievement finalists and other highly sought-after applicants.

Hopefully news of Lincoln’s and other HBCUs’ extraordinary achievements, dedicated faculty, outstanding facilities, and unequalled support for Black success will draw greater numbers of applicants at all levels and, of equal importance, greater support from alums, and increased visibility as cutting-edge academic institutions.

Posted by Ajuan Mance