The Future of STEM

Jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, known as STEM, fields are expected to grow at twice the rate of all other jobs through 2031.

The University of Mississippi is stepping up to educate the next wave of problem solvers at the new, $175 million, 202,000 square foot Jim and Thomas Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation in the coming years.

The Duff Center, which is nearing completion, is slated to open fall 2024. As finishing touches are being put on the largest academic project in UM’s history, support is needed to equip the building.  Students will learn to program computers, work with spectrometers and state-of-the-art microscopes. The center will prepare students to enter STEM fields that allow them to work on the cutting edge of medicine, computer technology, chemical engineering, robotics, and other jobs.

Through the Duff Center, UM will help the nation compete globally. The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics projected in 2021 that STEM jobs would grow more than two times faster than the total for all other occupations over the next decade. STEM fields are expected to grow 8 % by 2029, compared with just 3.7 % for all other jobs. More than half of the jobs are expected to be in math and computer related occupations.

Please consider a gift to fund one or more of these needs. A permanent plaque will be installed to name the room honoring your gift. The commitment could be paid outright or pledged over five years.

A $500,000 commitment to name one of the following:

• Biology TEAL (Technology Enabled Active Learning) classroom – one of the most utilized classrooms among the biology department. The gift will name the classroom and help to purchase equipment.
• Organic Chemistry Lab – our faculty have been modifying and modernizing organic chemistry laboratory experiments to improve the learning experience.

A $250,000 commitment to name one of the following:

• General Chemistry Lab – all students who take a chemistry class should participate in a hands-on lab experience. Your commitment would help purchase equipment and name the classroom. The lab experience is part of our plan to inspire students to pursue a STEM major.
• General Biology Lab – our faculty have lacked the necessary instrumentation to allow students in biology to engage in high-impact learning practices. By naming the lab, you will provide meaningful research opportunities to undergraduates.

A $100,000 commitment to name:

• Mixed use classroom – in the Duff Center we will bring together students, faculty, and staff and offer classes from a variety of majors.
• Executive Director Office – our recently hired renowned faculty member overseeing the Duff Center will spread STEM innovation across campus. Your gift to name the executive director’s office will give our faculty a place to strategize together to increase student satisfaction, and more importantly, the belief they can succeed in these fields.