Bethel College is a growing institution. This is evident in many ways: the opening of a new 96-bed dormitory to full capacity; continued success in college outreach centers; and the introduction of their innovative Physician's Assistant (PA) Program. Growth, however, brings requirements—more faculty, more facilities, more technology. It is with these needs in mind that Bethel College is undertaking a challenging capital campaign to fund the $8 million science center.

Preliminary programming resulted in facility requirements consisting of classrooms, laboratories, offices, and faculty support areas for the Department of Natural Sciences, which includes the study of biology, chemistry and physics. Additional academics include the PA Program and the newly formed School of Nursing. The State of Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA), which contributes in-field curriculum to the sciences program, will reside there as well. Finally, the Science Center will house a 250-seat lecture hall, intended for use by the community at-large as well as Bethel College.

Functionality and good design emerged in the conceptual design, which features a three-level academic facility, an atrium lobby as its focal point, and two adjoining wings, branching from this center. Architectural features blend with the campus standard, featuring red brick facade with traditional white columns, coupled with a New Age look of glass and steel.