BELTON, Texas—The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) is excited to announce plans to build a new 56,032 square foot science lab facility located on the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and College Street, directly across from the Davidson and Heard buildings. Construction could begin as early as summer 2026, with the goal of opening in January 2028.
A generous donor, who asked to remain anonymous, has offered a $1 million gift plus a $4 million challenge grant to help fund the construction of this new state-of-the-art science lab facility. The challenge specifies that, to receive the grant, the university must raise an additional $5 million in new gifts for the project by the end of 2026. Together with the resources already secured, a successful challenge would make it possible for the $50 million facility to be fully funded.
“Praise God for His continued blessings on UMHB and for this generous donor! This amazing challenge grant supports our vision of becoming the university of choice for Christian higher education in the Southwest by continuing to invest in first-class facilities at UMHB,” said Dr. Randy O’Rear, university president. “I am grateful to our Board of Trustees for their vision for UMHB’s future, and I want to express a special thank you to the faculty and staff who have contributed to the planning of this project. They have ensured this facility will meet the ongoing needs of our students and academic programs.”
The new three-story science facility will feature 13 science labs, along with conference rooms and a student gathering space, creating a dynamic environment for both teaching and research. The first floor, totaling 20,259 square feet, will welcome students and visitors through a lobby that serves as a central hub for collaboration and connection. This level will include a student lounge and study rooms, as well as conference rooms and administrative offices, fostering interaction among students, faculty, and staff. The second floor, encompassing 16,275 square feet, will be dedicated to biology laboratories, providing flexible, modern lab spaces to support instruction and experimentation. The third floor, spanning 19,498 square feet, will primarily house chemistry laboratories. This level will also include dedicated research and collaborative areas, enhancing academic support and study opportunities.
Each lab will feature state-of-the-art technology for hands-on learning, and will directly serve the large population of biology and health science majors attracted to UMHB’s strong undergraduate and graduate health programs. The current lab science requirement in the university’s general education core means that this building will be used by the majority of UMHB’s undergraduate student body. The facility will also include approximately 40 new offices for faculty and staff.
“This new science lab facility will be a beautiful and modern addition to our campus that will open doors to countless learning opportunities for UMHB students,” O’Rear continued. “I am excited to see how God will continue to use the facilities, programs, and people of UMHB to impact the lives of college students for years to come.”
