Thames wraps up tenure by breaking ground on first building at tech park

Shelby Thames has wrapped up his tenure as president of the University of Southern Mississippi, but he made sure he got one more piece of brick and mortar to show for his efforts.

Last Monday, Thames, U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran and others broke ground to mark the beginning of construction on the $22 million National Formulation Science Laboratory. The 50,000-square-foot building, part of a $30 million commitment from the federal government, is expected to be completed in 18-24 months. The remainder of the money will be used to develop roads and infrastructure.

The laboratory is the first building on the 521-acre Southern Miss Innovation and Commercialization Park, formerly the Van Hook Golf Course.

The goal of the project is to attract polymer research businesses that will use the lab to develop their manufacturing process. It will also include incubator space for entrepreneurs looking to market a product.

Thames made no secret of his passion for polymer science research. What's intriguing about this particular development is the potential for it to become a major economic engine in the Pine Belt. A number of local officials, including Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree and Lamar County Supervisor President Fred Hatten, praised the new technology park.

Developments such as this don't always show an immediate impact. But over time, it could become an integral part of the economic development scene in Hattiesburg and its surrounding neighbors.