SEYMOUR — The board of trustees of The King’s Academy unanimously approved the establishment of the J.T. Shen Science Center at Atchley Hall at its recent trustee meeting.
The new science center is the culmination of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) building project that has been in planning stages for some time, according to TKA president Jeremy Sandefur.
After much prayer and petition, the decision has been made in order to honor those in the community who have faithfully given to renovate a current building for the new facility, according to a release from the school.
“This was the best course of action as it can be done at a much lower cost than a new construction due to multiple factors,” Sandefur said.
TKA officials chose Atchley Dormitory, a significant part of student life for years, to become the center of academic learning on campus for many years to come as Atchley Hall.
The J.T. Shen Science Center at Atchley Hall will hold two state-of-the- art science labs, technology center, art studio, 10 MS/HS classrooms, Lions’ Den School Store, student study space and an office suite.
The J.T. Shen Science Center at Atchley Hall is poised to allow The King’s Academy to continue to grow, as all classrooms are currently occupied and multiple grade levels are experiencing waiting lists, Sandefur said.
The center is named in honor of Mr. Jin-Tai Shen, father of TKA graduate Tom Shen. Shen’s father sacrificed so that his son could have an international faith-based education as a high school student.
Tom Shen currently resides in California, excelling in the banking/technology industry. He is helping to provide funding for the science center, along with other donors.
The board of trustees authorized Sandefur and his leadership team to begin immediate plans on Phase One of the project, slated to begin in the fall of 2022.
Phase One will be completed with the funds previously raised for the STEAM Project. It will include two state of the art science labs, three classrooms, Lions’ Den School Store, student study space, and an office suite.
While construction begins on Phase One, the TKA development office will begin raising funds for Phase Two which would include the remaining classrooms, technology center, and art studio that will be housed on the second story of the building.
Jane Wilson, chair of the board of trustees and member of Sevier Heights Baptist Church, Knoxville, said the trustees “spent several months in prayer, committee meetings and conducting feasibility studies before making this historic move.
“It quickly became apparent with increasing building costs nationwide, that a new building was not feasible. With visionary, forward thinking the plan to convert the dormitory into a ‘new’ STEAM building began to grow,” she said.
Sandefur added, “I am humbled and honored by the decision of the board of trustees to accept and move forward with this exciting project. We recognize this building has been discussed for a long time on our campus, and it is truly humbling to see the Lord provide in this manner.
“I strongly believe that the J.T. Shen Science Center at Atchley Hall will become the center of academic and student progress on campus as we continue to move towards the future of The King’s Academy. We are so grateful for all who have supported this project that allows us to begin with Phase One and ask that all Lion families prayerfully consider how they can support the completion of this long-awaited addition to our historic and thriving campus.”
The project will be dedicated in a ceremony on Sept. 21, at 9 a.m. in the Dr. Carroll Reece Reagan Pavilion. More information will be made available on the project including detailed drawings and ways to support the project in the days ahead.
“We covet your prayers and support as this exciting project begins shortly,” Sandefur said. B&R