MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Maryville College is planning to build a new 65,000-square-foot science center on campus.

The college plans to break ground on the Alexander Institute for Environmental Education and the Sciences around this time next year. The facility will replace the existing Sutton Science Center, though the behavioral sciences department will continue to operate in that building for now.

"This is really going to be an institute that is really focused on our region," Maryville College President Bryan Coker said. "It's going to be all about Southern Appalachia, the health and wellness of Southern Appalachia, and the environment, the Great Smoky Mountains."

The $80-million project is being funded by private donations and $12 million from the state. The 65,000-square-foot faci

See Full Page