A new basic sciences building is being constructed for the Quillen College of Medicine on the Veterans Affairs campus.
Set for completion in June 2001, the $36 million facility is being equally funded by federal and state governments.
“This is the first project where a VA or federal program has worked with the state,” said Dr. Ronald Franks, dean and vice president for health affairs at ETSU.
The 111,300-square-foot building is going to include administrative offices, research facilities and classrooms.
“There are going to be three floors that are approximately one acre in size,” Franks said.
Several factors were considered in the decision to construct the building. “The lab facilities for our faculty are not modern,” Franks said. “This new building will provide a state-of-the-art working environment and allow the faculty to be competitive in getting research grants.
“It is more cost-effective than attempting to upgrade the research labs.”
Another goal of the building is to unite first-year students with the rest of the medical scholars.
The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the nationally recognized accrediting authority, is concerned that first-year students that study in Brown Hall are disconnected from their second-year peers.
“The LCME addressed this issue, which will be resolved with the new building,” Franks said.
In addition, the basic sciences facility will bring all academic affairs to one location.
“Student affairs, admissions, and my office will be in the building, providing easier access to and contact with students,” Franks said.

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