The South Plains College Board of Regents held their monthly meeting May 11, where they approved the naming of the biology wing and a grant matching commitment.
The board unanimously approved the naming of the biology wing at the new science facility located on the Levelland campus.
The wing is located on the north side of the building and will honor David Etheredge. Etheredge had been an employee with SPC for a large period of time and was also the Faculty Excellence Award recipient in 2014.
Several board members spoke about the contributions Etheredge had on the college.
A goal of the college has been to bring a truck driving school to Levelland and locate the facility at the rail park located east of Levelland on Highway 114.
It was explained that grant funds have been a difficult task to come by as it has been hit or miss once applications are sent.
The potential for securing grant funds has become possible with an Economic Development Alliance Grant matching commitment.
In conjunction with LEDC and the rail park, the group is providing a lot at the rail park.
It was explained that the costs of construction and materials has gone up.
Originally, the cash donation was set at $109.262 but has gone up to $277,982. The total awarded amount of the grant is projected to be roughly $3 million dollars. Total cost of construction is projected at the current time sitting at $2.8 million range.
A large cost associated with the projected price is the installation of a large concrete pad that will be needed. The projected cost of the slab of concrete sits at $2.4 million; however the group working on the numbers believes there is room for the number to go down.
The land donation is valued at $178,000 and the LEDC has committed a $121,000 cash donation.
The board unanimously approved the grant matching increase to reach the total of $277,982.
The SPC Foundation announced their year final statistics on scholarship funds awarded this school year. This school year, a budget of $1.4 million was provided by the foundation and its donors.
There were 947 applications that were received, with 565 being returning students, and 382 being incoming or dual credit students. The group recognized the donations from donors in 72 Texas cities, and even 30 cities out of state.