Image source: https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/24040
Opened in 1969, the Science Complex was renamed in 1991 to honor former faculty members John and Gladys Howell. He served as East Carolina chancellor from 1982-1987 after a long career as a professor, dean, and vice-chancellor. She retired from the Sociology Department upon her husband’s acceptance of the chancellorship. The complex features a display area in the lobby and its wings are connected by an elevated walkway.
- Other names
- Science Complex
- Built
- 1969
- Construction cost
- $3.5 million
- Gross sq. ft.
- 95,844 total
- Assignable sq. ft.
- 52,526 total
- Architects
- Holloway
- Namesake
- On October 3,1991 the Science Building was dedicated to John McDade and Gladys David Howell. Mr. Howell was chancellor of ECU from 1982-1987 and held faculty and academic administrative positions at ECU for 30 years. He started his service at ECU when he became a part of the Political Science faculty in 1957. In 1963 he became the founding chair of the Political Science Department. He was also Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in 1966, Dean of the Graduate School in 1969, and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs from 1973-1979. Next, he returned to the classroom for three years to teach and then became Chancellor of ECU after Dr. Thomas B. Brewster resigned.
Mrs. Howell is a retired member of the ECU Sociology faculty. She retired in 1982 when her husband agreed to become Chancellor of ECU, and her service to the university continued to be depicted in her actions. Together the Howells have almost 60 years of service invested in ECU. - History
- The Science Departments were originally located in the Flanagan Building. The complex includes eight areas connected by covered walkways and a central foyer. These areas are referred to as the East, South, and North Wings. The department of Physics has the East Wing, and the biology Department has the rest of the complex. Double cement columns provide space for extensive plumbing associated with laboratory facilities. This brick building is modern in design.
In 1969, the Senior Class along with the Alumni Association and the Student Government Association joined together to purchase chimes to be placed on the roof of the building. Different sets of chimes can be played and also campus announcements can be made. The chimes were set to strike from 7:00 am until 10:00 pm every half hour. - Additions
- 1992 – Central smoke detector and fire alarm installed
1992 – Renovations and improvements to the Department of Communication television studio
1998 – Replaced animal air conditioner ($34,540)
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