Columbus State University (CSU) broke ground on the Jack & JoRhee Pezold Center for Emergent Technology on Saturday, marking the start of a $22.2 million project that will house the university’s robotics engineering program and the Coca‑Cola Space Science Center. The ceremony, originally planned outdoors, was moved indoors to the Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center because of rain, according to WTVM.
University officials said the new center is intended to broaden STEM education opportunities and create a regional training ecosystem for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics students throughout the Chattahoochee Valley. “The new facility upon the main campus is gonna be a giant step forward in our ability to offer technology and fundamental science programs to the students in our area and we really want to use this occasion to build an ecosystem of training for students in science technology engineering mathematics,” said Dr. Shawn Cruzen, executive director of the Coca‑Cola Space Science Center.
The $22.2 million project is funded through a combination of federal, state and local appropriations, as well as private donations. Construction is slated to begin in early 2027, with the center expected to open its doors in the fall of 2028. When completed, the facility will become the future home of the university’s robotics engineering program and the Coca‑Cola Space Science Center, providing new laboratory space, classrooms, and collaborative work areas for students and faculty.
Local leaders praised the development as a boost to the regional economy and a signal that Columbus is positioning itself as a hub for advanced technology training. The project aligns with broader state initiatives to strengthen workforce development in high‑growth sectors, a priority highlighted by both state and local officials.
What’s next: CSU will continue site preparation through the remainder of 2026, with groundbreaking celebrations concluding with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony. Residents can expect construction activity to increase in early 2027, and the university plans to host community information sessions later this year to detail how the new center will serve local students and businesses.
