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The Consolidated  Appropriations Act 2023  will allow Marion Military Institute to build a new math and science facility.

A $35 Million funding provision for MMI comes from the FY23 Omnibus funding bill that was signed into law on December 29.

MMI is among various Alabama colleges and universities earmarked in the Omnibus, recognizing the support of former Senator Richard Shelby for guiding federal funding to modernize MMI’s academic programs.   Shelby also is the outgoing vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “With classroom space so limited, MMI is grateful to Senator Shelby for helping provide funding which will allow us to expand our instructional support capabilities with a new state-of-the-art academic facility to house a robust STEM program that we expect will include the addition of course offerings in information technology,  computer science, and cyber security,” MMI PresidentCOL David J. Mollahan said.

MMI also credits alumnus and benefactor Mr. Jimmy Rane, President/CEO & Founder of Great Southern  Wood Company, in leading the drive for the math and science building. “I’m so appreciative that one of Senator Shelby’s last acts in a stellar career was to ensure that Marion  Military Institute received funds that will have a big impact for a long time – not just for the careers of our cadets but also for the skillsets they’ll need to serve and protect our nation,” Rane said.

Rane continued. “Not only will this science building play the critical role in keeping MMI in the leadership of STEM education, it has the potential of transforming  Alabama’s economy in future years. It’s a fair prediction that if Alabama retains just 5% of our STEM  graduates, we can transform our economy to its highest level ever.”

MMI will finalize building plans and a construction timeframe for this multi-million dollar project designed to enhance the college’s curriculum and solidify its relevance in higher education.

The new brick building will be located on the south side of the quadrangle between James W.  Rane Hall and Lovelace Hall barracks.