TULSA – Oklahoma State University officials broke ground today on the OSU-Tulsa Advanced Technology Research Center, a $30-million research facility that is expected to boost Tulsa’s economy by creating jobs and attracting industries to the area.

Equipped with orange shovels, OSU-Tulsa President Gary Trennepohl and OSU System CEO and President David Schmidly were joined by community leaders for the groundbreaking under the white tent on the OSU-Tulsa west lawn just north of I-244 and Detroit Avenue.

Tulsa Mayor Bill LaFortune, Tulsa County Commissioner Robert Dick, area legislators and other dignitaries assisted Trennepohl in the sod-turning ceremony. More than 200 community members and OSU-Tulsa faculty, staff and students helped celebrate this important phase in the construction process.

"This state-of-the-art research facility will help educate students in high-tech disciplines and foster economic development in the Tulsa area," Trennepohl said. "This is a significant achievement for Oklahoma State University and the city of Tulsa. I applaud Tulsa County voters for their vital role in making it happen."

Funded through the Vision 2025 bond issue passed by Tulsa voters last year, university and community leaders say the ATRC will provide new educational programs and the potential for technology commercialization that will help bring new jobs and industries to this region. The center will produce an annual payroll of $8 to $10 million, including federal and private research funds. However, Trennepohl said the greatest impact should come from commercialization of technology developed from the research. He said economic impact of these start-up companies could exceed $400 million annually within 10 to 15 years.

The ATRC will focus on the development of next generation composites and advanced materials used by many Oklahoma industries. The ATRC will enable engineering faculty and graduate students to conduct research in the use of advanced materials for sensors, energy technologies, information technology and controls, and bio-based technologies. When completed, the ATRC will house 25 faculty, 40 graduate students and five to 10 visiting professors.

News Contacts:

Mary Bea Drummond
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Trish McBeath
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