The professors who began moving into the $18.2 million Talbot East building during finals week last semester have settled into their new offices. Like students, they are ready to jump into the semester.

New offices aid professor interaction

“I feel like a plant in the sunlight,” said professor Scott Rae, chairman of the ethics and philosophy department. He described what his Talbot office was like in contrast to his previous office in Fineberg.

“I can see what the provost is having for lunch … and he can see me,” he said, referring to the window with a view across Metzger Lawn.

Andy Draycott, an undergraduate professor in the biblical studies department, worked in his new office with his door wide open, boxes from the move still stacked in front of his desk.

“What’s already nice is that our departments were scattered to the winds and now we all get to see each other on a daily basis,” Draycott said. The interaction of professors facilitates the exchange of ideas, he explained.

In addition to seeing each other more, professors enjoy more interactions with students outside of the classroom. Students explore the Talbot East garden or sit on the lobby couches, according to Draycott.

Talbot East receives LEED certification

The garden is just one part of the building’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. Draycott sees the LEED certification as a testimony to Biola students, alumni, faculty, and those in the community in general.

Daniel Cracium, a sophomore biblical studies and music double major, read as he walked through the rows of plants in the garden balcony on the second floor.

He described the garden as a great “DTR spot” where couples can have a picnic and discuss the status of their “friendship.”

Facilities to be used by professors on sabbatical

Though three of the university’s prominent bible professors Matthew Williams, Dave Talley and Erik Thoennes are on sabbatical this semester, they will still reap the benefits of the new building.

Thoennes is still using his office for meetings and work. During his sabbatical, he will be writing two books and serving as pastor at Grace Evangelical Free Church in La Mirada.

“The authorities recommend a sabbatical, but a scholar is still a scholar,” Thoennes said.

Thoennes, Talley and Williams will be returning for the fall 2012 semester.