UWA to host ribbon cutting at new Steelcase Education Active Learning Center

LIVINGSTON — The University of West Alabama invites members of the public, including students, faculty, administrators, community officials, local designers and media to an open house celebrating the unveiling of the Julia S. Tutwiler College of Education’s new Steelcase Education Active Learning Center.

On Jan. 21 at 3:30 p.m. in Lyon Hall Room 128A, guests are invited to tour the new classroom and learn more about active learning and its impact on student and educator engagement.

The classroom was established at UWA by way of a Steelcase Education Active Learning Center $50,000 grant award. UWA was named one of only 12 nationwide recipients of the annual grant, selected from a pool of more than 500 applicants. The initiative recognizes schools and universities that have shown outstanding commitment to active learning strategies and student engagement in the classroom.

UWA President Ken Tucker, Dean of College of Education Dr. Jan Miller, Dean of Graduate Studies Dr. B.J. Kimbrough, and Steelcase regional representatives will be taking part in the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Installed by Steelcase dealer Dekalb Office of Birmingham, Ala., the classroom will positively impact teaching, allowing UWA educators to explore the capabilities of an environment built specifically for improved engagement and collaboration.

The Blended Learning classroom easily morphs into various classrooms structures including lecture, independent or team work, presentation and discussion. Built for 28 students, zones within the classroom allow students to work at their own pace with the instructor as a guide.

As a result, the learning environment enables the instructor to move easily throughout the space to assess student understanding and guide continued skill mastery and application.

“The University of West Alabama is a school dedicated to student outcomes and advances in learning, and we are thrilled to partner with an institution so focused on providing its students with inspiring learning spaces,” said Sean Corcorran, General Manager of Steelcase Education. “We’re proud to help support students, faculty and staff and look forward to seeing the increase in active learning that takes place in this environment.”

Those interested in attending this event are encouraged to RSVP at cwheat@uwa.edu.