The University of Findlay - Faculty, Staff On the Move at UF

The big move is in full swing at The University of Findlay this week as the University begins to occupy the former home of Owens Community College, Findlay-area campus.

Alison Wibbeler, occupational therapy graduate student, puts together new furniture in the Davis Street building, which will house 11,000 square feet of classroom space, 10,500 square feet of laboratory space, eight conference/seminar rooms and more.

The University purchased the 62,000-square-foot building at 300 Davis St. earlier this year and has spent the last four months getting it ready for the opening of classes at the end of August.

Moving into the building — and moving into the open spaces left by the first wave of moves — has taken a lot of coordination.

“There are a total of 176 moves taking place involving 170 people,” said Dr. Dan May, vice president for academic affairs, explaining that a small number of people have to move twice. “We’re moving about 45 percent of our total faculty. All in all, things are going very well.”

Dr. Elizabeth Raker, professor of education and director of the middle childhood program, adds another empty box to the pile as faculty and staff continue to unpack in their new offices. Faculty and staff from both the School of Pharmacy and the College of Education have moved to the new building.

The building has 11,000 square feet of classroom space and 10,500 square feet of laboratory space. There are a total of 600 seats for instructional purposes, 50 faculty and staff offices and eight conference or seminar rooms. The building will house the College of Education, the new School of Pharmacy and the molecular and microbiology programs.

“When fully occupied, the building will house classrooms, laboratories, and offices that will use state-of-the-art technology and instructional capabilities,” May said. “The building will provide an outstanding academic environment for instruction and meetings.”

May said that in the future, every student at the University will have at least one class in the building over the course of his or her studies. “It will be central to our academic activities,” he said.