EFSC Officially Opens New Center for Innovative Technology( CITE)
On Monday, October 13, 2025, Eastern Florida State College celebrated the grand opening of its new Center for Innovative Technology Education( CITE) on its Melbourne Campus. The facility is designed to prepare the future workforce of Florida’ s Space Coast through cutting-edge training and education.
College and civic leaders hailed the opening as a major advancement in high-tech education that will set a new regional standard.
“ Today is a momentous occasion,” said College President Dr. Jim Richey.“ This building is more than just steel, glass, and stone— it is a symbol of progress, promise, and the power of education to transform lives.”
The $ 20 million, 31,500-square-foot facility will host programs leading to bachelor’ s degrees, associate degrees, and college certificates in fields such as:
• Business
• Engineering Technology( Advanced Manufacturing, Robotics,
Mechatronics)
• Cybersecurity
• Drafting
• Graphics
• Computer Science( Programming & Networking)
Dr. Richey expressed gratitude to the College’ s Board of Trustees for their leadership and support and gave special recognition to the lawmakers who helped make CITE a reality: State Rep. Tyler Sirois, State Sen. Tom Wright, former State Rep. Rene Plasencia, and former Speaker of the House Steve Crisafulli.
“ it is a symbol of progress, promise, and the power of education to transform lives”
— Dr. Jim Richey
CITE features flexible labs equipped with advanced technology used by high-tech employers, simulation labs, and collaborative spaces where students can work in teams to solve real-world problems. Select programs will also incorporate virtual reality and artificial intelligence to enhance learning.
Students are excited about the opportunities they will have once classes begin in the new facility.“ I think the CITE building is really cool,” said Chris Petersen, a current student.“ I can’ t wait to have a place to practice what I learned in my engineering and technology classes to reinforce what I might actually see in the workplace.”
Training at CITE can also be customized to meet the specific needs of individual companies, offering opportunities to expand their workforce and continuing education for current employees.
“ We’ re not just opening a building,” added Richey,“ we’ re opening doors to innovation and opportunity.”
The facility was designed by HKS Architects, Inc., with Ajax Building Company serving as the primary contractor.
5 | EFSC COLLEGE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Jose Lope, Carter Hicks, and Chris Peterson working with a robotic dog in CITE