Pledge Supports Renovation, Expansion of Bolin Science Hall

MSU Texas reached an institutional milestone Thursday, as the Board of Regents unanimously voted to approve the naming of the McCoy College of Science, Mathematics and Engineering in recognition of the extraordinary generosity of James N. and Vicki McCoy and in gratitude for the James N. McCoy Foundation’s recent multiyear pledge of $5 million. The college, one of the longest-serving divisions on campus, is the final of MSU Texas’ six colleges to be named.

The addition of engineering to the name of the college reflects the importance of the engineering program to MSU Texas. The name links every dimension of scientific and mathematical teaching, learning and research at Midwestern State University and honors the McCoy’s legacy of support to the engineering program, also named in the family’s honor.

“Jim and Vicki’s philanthropic investment in the university through the years has lifted MSU Texas to new heights in Wichita Falls and across the state,” said President Suzanne Shipley. “Through their vision and support, our graduates in science, mathematics and engineering will have a solid educational foundation as well as confidence in their skills as they enter the competitive job market.”

The McCoy Foundation’s leadership gift is part of the Campaign for MSU Texas, a seven-year, $50 million comprehensive campaign for the University, and invests in the renovation and first phase expansion of Bolin Science Hall that will transform teaching and learning in the college.

Last fall the college served 1,026 majors, an extraordinary increase of 44 percent in undergraduate enrollment and 166 percent in graduate enrollment since 2006. To accommodate the growth in the programs and maintain the university’s levels of excellence, an extensive remodel and expansion project of Bolin Science Hall will enhance the services of the college and improve the capacity to meet student needs in geosciences, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, biology and engineering.

“The renovation of Bolin Science Hall will significantly impact the quality of our student life, and promote interactions and facilitate the success of our teaching, research and community outreach initiatives,” said Marcy Brown Marsden, Dean. “Our strategic goal to create campus vitality and promote greater student engagement can be fulfilled more quickly through the strategic renovation and expansion of this anchor facility.”

The project will take a phased approach and will include the following initiatives:

• Administrative and Student Services Suite,
• Entry Lobby and Student Gathering Space,
• Student Computing Lab,
• Kimbell School of Geosciences Suite, and
• Additional exterior and interior renovations and expansion priorities.

Although not a graduate of MSU, McCoy has personal experience with the university as he once attended night classes in geophysics to study digital signal processing, which enhances the use of computers to optimize oil and gas production from wells.

“Both of my parents were teachers, and education has always been important in my life. Vicki and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to support education at MSU Texas, especially in the fields of science and engineering,” said Jim McCoy.

Midwestern State University’s ambitious comprehensive campaign, currently in its early stages, will fund projects to enrich the lives of students, enhance teaching and learning, and invest in the university campus and the community of Wichita Falls. The campaign’s theme “Boundless Opportunities” reflects the outlook of students, the university and the community.

For more information about the MSU Texas campaign, contact Tony Vidmar, Vice President for University Advancement and Public Affairs, at 940-397-4782 or tony.vidmar@msutexas.edu.