From vision to reality: Maryville College’s Alexander Institute promises to be ‘one of the largest laboratories for learning’
Maryville College President Dr. Bryan Coker revisited the college’s ambitious plans for a new state-of-the-art science facility that will transform the campus and strengthen its connection to the surrounding Appalachian region. The Alexander Institute for Environmental Education and the Sciences, named in honor of former U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander and his legacy, represents an $80 million investment in the college’s future and its commitment to community engagement.
Since becoming president in 2020, Coker had heard repeated calls for an updated science facility to replace the aging Sutton Science Center. The Alexander Institute will be “one of the largest laboratories for learning,” Coker said, describing the facility as more than just a replacement building – it’s a vision for connecting education with the natural heritage of East Tennessee.
The 65,000-square-foot facility will house six classrooms and 12 teaching labs, accommodating courses in the Divisions of Natural Science, Health Sciences and Outdoor Studies, Mathematics and Computer Science, as well as the Departments of Neuroscience and Environmental Studies. Advanced technology will enhance the learning experience, with digital blackboards and innovative equipment throughout the modern classrooms and laboratories.
Central to the project’s mission is the Natalie Haslam Center for Environmental Education, which will serve as a bridge between the college and the broader community. This component reflects Coker’s goal of making the institute “a center for the health and wellness of Southern Appalachia.” The facility will educate visitors about protecting the region and understanding the Great Smoky Mountains, featuring extensive outdoor spaces that include wetland management and outdoor classrooms.
The project has already secured significant support, with the state contributing $12 million in recognition of Alexander’s environmental policy contributions, particularly his focus on national parks, conservation efforts and technology-based climate solutions. Alexander agreed to lend his name to the building along with a hefty financial donation, acknowledging his influential role in shaping environmental policy throughout his career.
Coker emphasized the importance of community partnerships, highlighting a collaboration with the Nature Conservancy, a global conservation nonprofit committed to fostering a planet where both people and ecosystems can prosper. U.S. Sen. Bill Frist, chair of The Nature Conservancy’s Global Board of Directors and co-leader of fundraising initiatives, plans to focus on the connection between personal health and environmental stewardship. The institute will also develop programming for K-12 students, working with local school systems to create a curriculum that centers around environmental topics and Appalachian heritage. These community outreach efforts represent what Coker called the “key to how we fund our futures,” referring to the Haslam Center’s role in generating ongoing support.
The building’s design reflects this dual mission of education and community engagement. The front portion will offer public access for community programs, while the back section will focus on student learning. This approach necessitates new security measures to clearly delineate public and private areas while maintaining the welcoming atmosphere that is essential to the institute’s mission.
The project addresses a critical need on campus, as the current Sutton Science Center is outdated beyond practical renovation and ultimately a safety hazard. According to college officials, updating Sutton would have been more expensive than constructing an entirely new facility. The replacement represents not just an upgrade in physical infrastructure but a philosophical shift toward community engagement and regional connection.
Sustainability remains a priority, with the aspiration to expand solar panel installations throughout the campus. Notably, administrators chose not to cut solar panels from the budget, demonstrating their commitment to environmental responsibility.
President Coker aims to secure $40-50 million before breaking ground at the intersection of Washington Street and Lamar Alexander Parkway, ensuring the project’s financial stability. Importantly, funding will not come from tuition, nor will it affect tuition in general, protecting students from any additional costs. The administration has also planned for long-term maintenance, learning from experience with other aging campus buildings.
While plans for the former Sutton building site remain undetermined, with possibilities including green space or additional parking, the college commits to honoring the Sutton family’s legacy through commemorative elements in the new facility.
The Alexander Institute represents more than new laboratories and classrooms; it embodies Maryville College’s vision of connecting students with rich Appalachian heritage while preparing them to address environmental challenges facing the region and beyond.
“We want it to be a place [where], when people are on the road to the Smokies, they see it, and they stop, and they have the opportunity to learn about the region,” Coker said. “About the Smokies, about sustainability, and about protecting the region for future generations, which we think is so important.”