Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences First Floor Expansion and Renovation

In response to a surge in undergraduate enrollment and steady gains in its graduate programs, the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences has expanded to accommodate this growth.

On Friday, June 7, 2024, the University of South Alabama celebrated the completion of an $8 million, 13,000-square-foot expansion on the first floor of the Educational Outreach Building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The expanded facilities now include a state-of-the-art environmental analytical lab for research and student training, equipped to conduct a wide range of chemical analyses, including the detection of emerging contaminants such as pharmaceutical pollutants and “forever chemicals.” Additionally, the expansion features new office spaces, as well as classroom and research areas.

A highlight of the renovation is a 600-gallon circular aquarium in the first-floor lobby, showcasing marine life from the Alabama coastal environment. Significant efforts were made to address numerous code issues and construction deficiencies in the building’s core shaft. Mechanical and electrical upgrades included the installation of a mass spectrometer, fume hoods, and freezers to support the advanced research capabilities of the new facilities.