Illinois State Board of Trustees Approves Three Items

The Illinois State University Board of Trustees today approved the naming of a neuroscience laboratory, authorized a center and approved construction of a chiller plant.

The neuroscience laboratory in 230 Felmley Hall will be named the Keith and Nita Kattner Neuroscience Research Laboratory in recognition of their donation and support of undergraduate and graduate education in neuroscience.  Dr. Keith Kattner, an Illinois State alum who received his bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, is a neurosurgeon and co-owner of Central Illinois Neuro Health Sciences, Advance Neurotechnologies and Cybertechnologies.  He is also the program director for the Neurosurgical Residency Program offered in conjunction with the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwest University, BroMenn Regional Medical Center and the Central Illinois Neuroscience Foundation, which he co-founded. Kattner is an adjunct professor at Illinois State, and his collaborative efforts with Illinois State have allowed students and neurosurgical residents to participate in pre-clinical stroke research.  Nita Kattner is a registered dietician who devotes her free time as a volunteer at the McLean County Animal Shelter.

The Board approved the proposal for center status for the Center for Renewable Energy.  The Center will support the Illinois State renewable energy program, serve the Illinois renewable energy community and encourage research on renewable energy. The Center for Renewable Energy has already received a $990,000 U.S. Department of Energy grant to establish a degree major and create the Center.

The South Campus Chiller Plant phase one construction, which was approved by the Trustees, will cost $7 million with an anticipated opening date of 2010.  It will replace a power plant dating from 1915.  The project will be completed in four phases, the first of which is construction of the shell of the South Campus Power Plant, which will be located near the south end of campus.  The plant will provide chilled water to the College of Business Building, Fell Hall and the new Student Fitness and Kinesiology Recreation Center.