Designed to foster innovation and collaboration, Stephen F. Austin State University’s Cole STEM Building is now open, providing students with the opportunity to learn in a state-of-the-art facility.

Named for SFA supporters Ed Cole and his wife, the late Gwen Cole, the 87,000-square-foot building houses a planetarium with a 52-foot dome, makerspaces and multipurpose labs. The facility also features a machine shop, a digital media center, computer labs, research labs, collaborative classrooms and a terrace with telescopes.

A response to a national call for STEM reform, the building will help SFA continue its mission of providing transformative experiences for students while encouraging a greater interest in STEM careers.

Fast Facts

  • Approximately 101,000 square feet
  • More than 250 computers
  • 13 class labs
  • Six research labs
  • Four classrooms
  • Three computer classrooms
  • Five telescopes on the observation deck/terrace
  • One each: cybersecurity lab, digital media center, machine shop, STEM computer lab

15 huddle rooms and huddle spaces provide students with a variety of ways to study in groups. Huddle rooms are small conference areas equipped with audio, video and display system technology. In addition, huddle spaces offer more open and flexible areas for students to study and collaborate.