2004 News Release About ILSB

April 21, 2004 - Texas A&M University's largest investment in teaching and research in its 128-year history-a $100 million academic facility dedicated to interdisciplinary life sciences-has been authorized by key officials. A formal proposal is expected to be ready for approval by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents in July, President Robert M. Gates announced today, adding that the facility also represents a major investment in the scientific and economic future of Texas.

"This new facility will enable Texas A&M to play a critical role in the most advanced scientific research and teaching. It will greatly aid in our recruitment of additional high-quality faculty, in attracting significant new research grants, and in enrolling the very best students at both the undergraduate and graduate level,” Gates said.

He said the resources to finance the building will come from the Available University Fund (the revenue stream from the Permanent University Fund), thanks to an increased allocation to Texas A&M approved by Texas A&M University System Interim Chancellor Benton Cocanougher and endorsed by the chairman and vice chairman of The Texas A&M University Board of Regents. Gates noted that no additional state appropriations or tuition dollars are involved.

The building will be shared by several of the university's academic colleges through interdisciplinary research projects. Gates said the new building complex figures prominently in the institution's campus master plan that is nearing completion and is designed to enhance teaching and research endeavors through better allocation of space and facilities.

"The structure will be equipped with flexible, robust and sophisticated laboratories and technologically enhanced classrooms," he noted.

The new facility figures prominently in plans to accommodate the additional 447 faculty members that Gates said the university will hire over the next five years in its continued quest to enhance the educational process for its students, including the improvement of faculty-student ratios in its classes.

In a campus-wide e-mail, Gates told faculty, staff and students, "This is wonderful news for Texas A&M. With our ambitious faculty expansion program and other changes, it is further proof that the Aggies are out of the trenches and on the march-intent on achieving a new level of excellence in all of our endeavors."