Richard Bland College to build a new Academic Innovation Center with full funding

COVID-19 changed how students learn as some prefer hybrid school or online than in person and to accommodate the needs of students Richard Bland College is developing a new Academic Innovation Center.

The new center will feature a renovated library and new classroom space for students who want to do hybrid learning. It will have walls to expand or minimize class sizes to focus more on student collaboration.

"It’s a digital world so creating a space where students can connect and engage with the digital world to get information that is critical for learning," said Richard Bland Provost, Tyler Hart.

The traditional student population on campus is down due to the pandemic. However, RBC is seeing an increase in applicants for the fall, and the center can help accommodate the students when they arrive on campus.

“The Richard Bland College campus continues to adapt to meet the changing needs of a diverse student body,” said President Debbie L. Sydow.

"The space has the ability to be adaptable and flexible to engage with students in different ways," said Hart.

Construction is expected to begin in December.

Zoe Collins Rath (she/her/hers) is a sports and education reporter for the Progress-Index. For times email her at ZCollinsRath@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @zoe_jordan99.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Richard Bland College to build a new Academic Innovation Center with full funding