Knox College Launches $10M Renovation of Umbeck Science‑Mathematics Center with RATIO and Russell

Knox College in Galesburg has launched a $10 million renovation of the Umbeck Science‑Mathematics Center in partnership with design firm RATIO and construction firm Russell. Funded by a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the project will focus initially on the building's C‑Wing — home to the chemistry classrooms and laboratories — while upgrading core building systems to improve accessibility, energy efficiency, and research capabilities.

Project scope and timeline

The planning phase began in September with discovery and feedback sessions led by RATIO and attended by faculty, staff, and Russell representatives. Knox says planning is expected to take about 12 months and will be followed immediately by construction. Early work will concentrate on modernizing chemistry labs, common areas, and faculty offices, as well as essential mechanical, electrical, and safety systems.

Collaboration and goals

Knox has formed an Umbeck Science‑Mathematics Center Renovation Steering Committee of administrators, faculty, and staff to guide decisions and finalize designs. The committee includes Caleb Bennett (director of information systems and strategic analytics), Heather Bumps (vice president for strategic initiatives and chief of staff), Melissa Glenn (provost and dean of the faculty), Diana Cermak (Richard P. & Sophia D. Henke Distinguished Professor and chair of chemistry), Brad Nolden (vice president for administration and general counsel), Patrick Pendergast (manager of campus operations and maintenance), and Mark Slabodnick (assistant professor of biology).

“Knox is grateful to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for their investment in Knox, the State of Illinois for its investment in higher education across the state, and our partners, RATIO and Russell, as we embark on this transformative capital project,” said Knox College President C. Andrew McGadney. “As an historic campus, investments in academic buildings and infrastructure are crucial to ensuring that teaching and learning takes place in modern, state‑of‑the‑art facilities.”

“This systematic and transformative renovation will enhance interdisciplinary campus‑wide connections, advance functionality and provide future adaptability for STEM teaching and research,” said Rebecca Hinz, principal at RATIO Design.

“At the heart of this project are the students and educators who make Knox College such a remarkable community. I’m grateful for the opportunity for Russell to be part of the team bringing Knox’s vision for the Umbeck Science & Math Center to life,” said Matt Rebro, vice president at Russell. “This facility will create modern, accessible, and energy‑efficient spaces that inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and scholars.”

Impact for teaching and research

Faculty emphasize that modern research — particularly in chemistry — requires robust, controlled laboratory environments and updated infrastructure. Associate Professor of Chemistry Helen M. Hoyt ’01 said the department looks forward to working with architects to define upgrades that will allow faculty and students to pursue new research questions in safer, better‑equipped spaces.

This is the first comprehensive renovation of the Umbeck Center since 2020, when the building's entryway and central learning core were expanded, bringing more natural light into the atrium, adding seating and study areas, installing a 55‑foot fin whale skeleton in the entry, and establishing the Amott Science Commons and six modern classrooms.

About the partners

RATIO is a multidisciplinary design firm founded in 1982 that provides architecture, historic preservation, interior and landscape architecture, urban design, and graphic design through interdisciplinary teams. The firm reports projects across more than 41 U.S. states and multiple countries.

Russell, founded in 1983 and headquartered in Davenport, is a regional and national commercial construction and development firm with offices in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield, Missouri. Russell has delivered projects across dozens of states and brings experience in large institutional work.