Columbus State University (CSU) is set to initiate construction on a new 36,000-square-foot facility named the Jack and JoRhee Pezold Center for Emergent Technology, aiming to enhance STEM education and workforce development in the region. Groundbreaking for the center is scheduled for early 2027, with plans for it to be fully operational by Fall 2028.
The recognition of the Pezolds comes after their substantial contributions to CSU, which include a $6 million donation—$4 million allocated for the building’s construction and an additional $2 million to establish a distinguished university chair named after local education advocates Dr. Jim and Nancy Buntin. The Buntins have a history of supporting education in the community, which underscored the Pezolds’ choice for the naming of the endowed chair.
CSU President Dr. Stuart Rayfield emphasized the transformative potential of the new center, stating, “This significant contribution—one of the largest outright gifts in our history—cements Columbus State’s position as a statewide engine for economic development.” He noted that the center will integrate practical, hands-on learning into the curriculum, preparing graduates to meet the demands of the job market from day one.
Jack Pezold, a longtime local business entrepreneur and philanthropist, expressed that their donation represents an investment in the local economy. He mentioned that the center would foster innovation and significantly enhance regional job recruitment and creation potential.
The facility will house CSU’s Coca-Cola Space Science Center and an expanded Robotics Engineering program. The center aims to create connections between K-12 institutions and higher education, with plans for partnerships that include supporting local robotics teams and introducing students to STEM opportunities. The center will feature applied engineering labs specifically designed for the growing number of students in the Robotics Engineering program, which has seen enrollment rise from six in 2019 to over 100 today.
The Pezold Center is part of a larger financial initiative that combines $12.2 million in state funding, $4 million from federal grants, and $2 million in local sales tax funds from the Muscogee County School District. This project will mark CSU’s first new state-funded academic building in over 20 years.
Dr. David Lewis, the Superintendent of the Muscogee County School District, highlighted the collaborative commitment to education represented by this new center, expressing anticipation for the expanded partnership with CSU to inspire future generations of technology-centered students.
Ultimately, the Institute for Emergent Technology will focus on rapidly adapting to industry needs, directly aligning with workforce demands identified by state initiatives. By fostering innovative teaching methods, the institute intends to pave pathways for local students into high-wage careers in Georgia’s growing sectors.
