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Today the University of Tampa broke ground on what will be one of the University’s most significant academic facilities in its 94-year history, the Dickey Science Innovation Center.

“This is a great day for the University of Tampa,” said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, a UTampa alumna, to the crowd that included students, faculty, staff, trustees, local elected officials, alumni, contractors and donors. The new science center will help the University recruit the best and brightest students, she said, “and they can stay and be part of our city’s growth.”

Set for completion in Fall 2028, the science center is designed to support the University’s growing prominence in science education and research. Located along the Hillsborough River on UTampa’s downtown campus, the five-story facility will feature state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories that foster collaboration, interdisciplinary learning and discovery.

At 153,000 square feet, the building will house the departments of biology and chemistry and biochemistry, along with programs in forensic science and marine science. The building also will support allied health, environmental science and other science-driven fields that are critical to today’s workforce.

UTampa President Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg described the science center as the “centerpiece and catalyst in the University’s growing prominence in science education and research.” She also acknowledged the complexities of building a cutting-edge science center, which involves housing sophisticated instrumentation and designing flexible learning spaces, research and teaching labs, as well as aquariums and specialized labs that house “sea horses, algae, sea slugs, cell cultures, crabs and zebra fish.”

Construction of the Science Center is supported by the family of Dr. Stephen F. and Marsha Dickey, in what Marsha Dickey called a “family generational gift.” The Dickeys, flanked at the groundbreaking by their children and grandchildren, are longtime supporters of the University and the namesakes of the Dickey Health Center on campus.

“We felt this was the perfect opportunity to continue our support,” Marsha Dickey said, with Dr. Dickey adding that “we’re confident that with the new leadership — with Dr. Dahlberg — the University will continue to grow and thrive.”

Scott Gossen, assistant vice president of design, construction and facilities, explained that the University deliberately and patiently gathered input from various entities in designing the building, including faculty, students and the donors. Speaking directly to the Dickey family, Gossen said the University is “committed to delivering a building that is worthy of having your name on it.”

Gossen added that the science center will be the 12^th campus building to acquire the U.S. Green Building Council LEED certification by incorporating sustainable features and accessible design.

Student Government President Alicia Ambra told the crowd about how, when she came to UTampa as a first-year student, she was impressed with the second phase of the Benson “Alex” Riseman Fitness and Recreation Center, which had just opened. Today she’s pleased to see the University continue its commitment to student success.

“When we get new things on campus, I can assure you, it really does make an impact,” she said.