Rollins Urban and Structural Entomology Facility opens at Texas A&M University
Contact: Michaela Muck, 979-458-5714, muck@tamu.edu
COLLEGE STATION – The department of entomology at Texas A&M University celebrated the grand opening of the Rollins Urban and Structural Entomology Facility in College Station May 4. The luncheon event featured remarks by the Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, Vice Chancellor and Dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dr. Mark Hussey, and John Wilson, president and chief operating officer of Rollins Inc.
“The Rollins Urban and Structural Entomology Facility sets Texas A&M apart from every other university and system in the nation,” Sharp said. “It provides world-class amenities to teach, conduct Texas A&M AgriLife Research and host Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service programs for decades to come.”
The new building, located at the corner of F&B Road and Agronomy Road in College Station, is named in honor of the O. Wayne Rollins Foundation, whose $2 million gift helped make the long-awaited dream a reality, officials said.
“We are thankful for the Rollins family’s generous gift,” Hussey said. “The Rollins Urban and Structural Entomology Facility will ensure Texas A&M remains at the forefront of urban entomology. This state-of-the-art facility will aid our faculty, staff and students in the discovery, development and implementation of the research findings needed to control insects in and around homes and businesses.”
The new structure is paired with the department’s Endowed Chair for Urban and Structural Entomology. Dr. Ed Vargo was recently named as the endowed chair upon the retirement of Dr. Roger Gold, who was instrumental in the creation of the facility.
“The Rollins Urban and Structural Entomology Facility played a major role in my decision to come to Texas A&M as the new endowed chair,” said Vargo. “This first-rate building, made possible by the generosity of the Rollins family and other donors, is head and shoulders above any urban entomology facility in the country. It’s an inspiring place to conduct research, mentor students and hold training sessions. It’s truly an exciting time for urban entomology at Texas A&M.”
The 10,000-square-foot building, designed by WHR Architects, includes laboratories, a conference room, offices and training areas. Most importantly, it is home to a dynamic urban entomology program that supports both the pest management industry and the public interests of Texas and beyond, officials said.
