Shepherd University student Ruby Anderson contributes to the wall art for the new STEM student space. Ainsley Hall

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Shepherd University on Monday opened a new STEM student space with the help of the First2 Network.

Located on the third floor of the Robert C. Byrd Science and Technology Center, the new space gives students a dedicated room to study, work on group projects, meet with their tutor and meet more of their educational needs.

The First2 Network is a statewide initiative focused on helping STEM students graduate from college. Its main focus is to help West Virginia students in rural, low-income areas, as well as first-generation college students.

The First2 Network reached out to Shepherd University to help these students in any way it can. Professors Sytil Murphy and Jacquelyn Cole shared that after receiving money from the First2 Network, they had a $7,000 surplus and needed another way to use it to benefit the students.

That’s when Cole came up with the idea of repurposing an old computer lab into a STEM student space.

“We were talking about what we wanted to do with the money,” Cole said. “Then, I remember that when I walk by one of our study rooms, there is often a big group of students gathered all around a table. Some students would be sitting on the ground, all trying to work on their group project or get some work done. They didn’t have anywhere else to go.”

Starting late spring, they started cleaning out the room, getting rid of old computers that had become obsolete. Over the summer, they cleaned the carpet and prepared the space for students. The goal was to make a space where students could move tables and chairs around as needed and have plenty of space to work on upcoming projects.

In addition to the support from the First2 Network, Shepherd also received support from the President’s Office to get furniture that fits the room’s purpose.

On Monday, Shepherd officially opened the space and hosted a small event, so students could come check it out. Students had the opportunity to help decorate the room by painting on some canvases and wooden letters that will be hung up later.

For Murphy and Cole and the rest of the staff involved, it was all about giving students the chance to make the space their own.

“One of the big ideas (the) First2 Network focuses on is that people who feel like they belong are more likely to continue on in their program,” Murphy said. “That’s what we’re trying to do here by giving an area where they can meet other students and create a welcoming space.”

During the process of creating the space, Cole and Murphy also started a survey where students can share their thoughts and what they would like to see in the room.

They shared that they already have plans to add a few more white boards and a Keurig for anyone to use. They also hope to keep extra school supplies for students who need them.