On Friday Oct. 17, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Board of Trustees approved a number of items, including plans for a new science building. 

“Wells and York have served students for a long time, but they’re really dated, and we’ve outgrown them,” Dr. Stephen Baldridge said. “This will provide us with some more space for chemistry and biology. This will give students more room to work and replace our aging facilities.” 

This new science building will receive new equipment that the small size of classrooms in Wells and York was unable to provide. 

“I can’t talk to the specifics of the equipment, but it will be state-of-the-art. Our architects and designers are determining that,” Baldridge said. “It will be three stories, 50,000 square feet. The top floor will be chemistry, the second will be biology, and the first floor will be a student area and the nursing building. We’re keeping some of the labs in Wells and York, they aren’t going anywhere.” 

The new science building will be built in the parking lot across from Martin Luther King Jr. St. Both Davidson and Heard Hall are planned to be torn down, and the land will be used for more parking space. Wells and York will stay for now and likely be used for office space. 

Despite the attention being given to the College of Sciences, it is uncertain where the offices and classes of the College of Humanities will go. As of this time, there is no confirmation that the humanities departments will receive new equipment. 

“We’re still trying to determine space for everybody that’s in Heard and Davidson,” Baldridge said. “The only new equipment we have planned is only science-related for now.” 

Even though the plans for the building are promising on paper, professors and students are skeptical due to the fact that Wells, York, and Davidson are relatively new buildings and how the College of Humanities seems like an afterthought. 

“I don’t know where they’re moving us,” Dr. Joseph Tabarlet said. “I remember asking about the future of Heard and Davidson, so when I found out, I thought it made sense. The history and political science professors moved to Wells and York, so I would assume that’s where we would move once the new building is built. But that’s all supposition.” 

Others have questioned whether tearing down Davidson is necessary. “I don’t understand why they can’t just expand Davidson,” sophomore journalism major Marley Anthony, said. 

However, there is a glimmer of hope for those concerned about the School of Humanities being pushed to the sidelines. 

“The goal is to provide enough office space to accommodate everyone currently working in both Heard and Davidson,” Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. John Vassar said. “While we’re still working out where classes will be, there will be plenty of space for both departments.” 

Construction is expected to begin in late 2026 and is scheduled to be completed in January 2028.