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Looking into a lit up building at night. A whale skeleton hangs from the ceiling of the second floor. Students are walking into the building

Umbeck Science-Mathematics Center Renovation

A grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is supporting the project to enhance STEM teaching and learning facilities.

Investing in Our Campus

The Umbeck Science-Mathematics Center (SMC) is home to Knox’s biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics, and psychology departments, along with the Amott Science Commons, a collaborative learning space that includes the College’s Makerspace Hub.

Funded by a $10 million grant from the State of Illinois’ Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the current renovation project will focus on the building’s C-Wing, which houses the chemistry classrooms and laboratories, along with common spaces and faculty offices.

A group of people sit underneath the skeleton of a whale.

SMC Renovation News

Knox College Partners with Regional Firms RATIO, Russell on $10 Million Renovation of Science Building

The Umbeck Science-Mathematics Center is home to Knox’s biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics, and psychology departments, along with the Amott Science Commons, a collaborative learning space that includes the College’s Makerspace Hub.

Two Knox College students study under the bone of a whale in front of floor to ceiling windows in a building.

Umbeck Science-Mathematics Center Renovation Steering Committee

  • Caleb Bennett, Director of Information Systems and Strategic Analytics
  • Heather Bumps, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff
  • Melissa Glenn, Provost and Dean of the Faculty
  • Diana Cermak, Richard P. & Sophia D. Henke Distinguished Professor and Chair of Chemistry
  • Brad Nolden, Vice President for Administration and General Counsel
  • Patrick Pendergast, Manager of Campus Operations and Maintenance
  • Mark Slabodnick, Assistant Professor of Biology