The College of Business at Louisiana Tech University will soon have a new state-of-the-art building to call home. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Wednesday for construction of a 42,000 square-foot facility located on the east edge of the campus, which will serve as the centerpiece of the College’s business and entrepreneurship programs.  The new building was designed by Yeager, Watson and Associates of Alexandria, La. “The College of Business’ new home is yet another example of our commitment to academic excellence and to producing the next generation of business and entrepreneurial leaders for Louisiana,” said Louisiana Tech President Dan Reneau.  “This facility is part of a university-wide strategic plan to provide the best and brightest students in our region with unrivaled educational opportunities. The building’s location between the academic campus and the research park is also representative of our efforts to bring business acumen and innovative thinking together in order to create new economic development opportunities for our entire region.” Students and faculty will have access to new classrooms, offices, computer labs, two auditoriums, meeting rooms, research centers and student support and career resources. Funding for the new facility comes from a $12.4 million capital outlay from the state as well as private contributions from some of the College’s most generous and active alums.  These financial gifts and resources will afford the College opportunities for long-term growth and program development. Dr. James Lumpkin, dean of Louisiana Tech’s College of Business, says the new building will help his college to meet the challenges of business education in the 21st century. “This groundbreaking marks an important milestone for the College of Business as we continue to build distinction for our programs,” said Dr. James Lumpkin, dean of Louisiana Tech’s College of Business.  “The learning environment will be enhanced by having the appropriate facilities in the new building.  We will also have student services space to better meet the needs of our students outside the classroom.” The new College of Business building as well as other campus construction projects are a function of Tech 2020, Louisiana Tech’s long-range strategic plan and foundation for the future.  According to its website, Tech 2020 is “a roadmap for Louisiana Tech University’s transition from a very good institution to a great one.” At a time when other institutions are being forced to contract their academic offerings, Louisiana Tech and its College of Business are seeking opportunities for expansion, offering programs not available anywhere else in north Louisiana while focusing on student recruitment, retention, advising, and support. “The new College of Business building will create an exciting environment in which faculty will prepare Tech’s students to face the challenges and opportunities in this age of globalization,” said Dr. Kenneth Rea, vice president for academic affairs at Louisiana Tech.  “Its location will foster further collaboration between the College of Business and other areas of the University, especially with the College of Engineering.” The new building and its state-of-the-art technologies will allow students to acclimate themselves to practices and techniques that they will encounter within their industries upon graduation. All degree programs offered by the College of Business at Louisiana Tech are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).  Accreditation by AACSB International represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools, worldwide.