Today, Ball State University celebrated the grand reopening of the renovated Cooper Science Building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by campus leaders, faculty, staff, students, and community partners.
The ceremony took place outside the building at 2000 W. Riverside Ave., in Muncie, followed by a reception and self-guided tours showcasing the newly modernized space.
The $60 million renovation completes a three-phase plan to replace the former Cooper Science Complex, following the construction of the Health Professions Building (2019) and the Foundational Sciences Building (2021). With modern labs, interactive classrooms, and new spaces for collaboration and research, the revitalized Cooper Science Building supports Ball State’s Department of Geography and Meteorology, Department of Physics and Astronomy, and academic programs within the Department of Environment, Geology, and Natural Resources.
The transformation enhances the learning experience with technology-rich lecture halls, a fully automated rooftop observatory, sustainability features, and flexible environments designed for hands-on discovery.
“The renovation of Cooper Science Building is another example of how strategic investments in our physical campus directly support the success of our students,” said Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns. “I am grateful for the state’s continued support, which enables us to build and maintain innovative, sustainable facilities that advance academic excellence and serve the needs of our community.”
Designed with interdisciplinary learning in mind, the Cooper Science Building now offers updated facilities for active instruction and hands-on research. The building is also connected to Ball State’s geothermal energy system, contributing to the University’s ongoing sustainability goals.
“The renovated Cooper Science Building provides the environment that our faculty and students need to engage in discovery, collaboration, and innovation,” said Dr. Maureen McCarthy, dean of the College of Sciences and Humanities. “This space reflects our commitment to academic excellence and ensures that our students are prepared for fulfilling careers in science and technology.”
The Cooper Science Building has been a cornerstone of Ball State’s commitment to scientific education since its opening in 1967. Originally designed to house multiple science departments, including biology, chemistry, physics, and physiology, it also accommodated the nursing program and, from 1970 to 1974, the Muncie Center for Medical Education.
Over the decades, Cooper Science has undergone significant transformations to meet the evolving needs of students and faculty. A notable addition was the Charles W. Brown Planetarium in 2014, enhancing the University's astronomy offerings. The recent $60 million renovation continues this legacy, modernizing facilities to support contemporary research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
For more information about academic programs in Ball State’s College of Sciences and Humanities—including those housed in the renovated Cooper Science Building—visit bsu.edu/csh.