The Mode L. Stone Building, commonly referred to as the Stone Building or STB, serves as the primary academic and administrative hub for the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at Florida State University (FSU). Located on the eastern side of the Tallahassee campus, it is a facility dedicated to teacher education, educational psychology, and leadership studies. While many campus visitors mistake the "Stone Building" for the iconic, stone-clad Westcott Building due to its name, the Stone Building is a distinct structure with a focused mission of academic innovation and professional preparation.

Identity of the Mode L. Stone Building

The Stone Building is named in honor of Dr. Mode L. Stone, who served as the Dean of the School of Education at Florida State University from 1954 to 1967. Dr. Stone was a pivotal figure in Florida’s educational landscape, and the naming of this facility recognizes his contributions to teacher training and educational policy in the state.

Completed in 1978, the building was designed to centralize the various departments within the College of Education. For decades, it has functioned as the "nerve center" for future educators, counselors, and school administrators. Unlike the historic administrative buildings that prioritize ceremonial functions, the Stone Building is intensely functional, housing modern classrooms, specialized research laboratories, and expansive student support services.

Why the Stone Building is Often Confused with Westcott

For those unfamiliar with the specific nomenclature of the FSU campus, a common point of confusion arises regarding which structure is the "real" stone building.

The Symbolic Confusion

The Westcott Building is the most photographed structure on campus, featuring striking Collegiate Gothic architecture and a grand entrance with the Westcott Fountain. Because Westcott is characterized by its heavy stonework and "castle-like" appearance, many people intuitively assume it must be the building referred to when hearing the name "Stone."

The Reality of STB

The Mode L. Stone Building, conversely, is named after a person, not a material. Architecturally, the Stone Building reflects the era of its construction in the late 1970s. It features a more modern, brick-dominant exterior that aligns with the broader FSU aesthetic, though its interior has been significantly updated to meet 21st-century technological standards. If you are searching for the College of Education or the School of Teacher Education, you are looking for the Stone Building (STB), not Westcott.

Academic Departments and Housed Programs

The Stone Building is far more than just a collection of classrooms; it is the administrative heart of one of the most respected colleges of education in the United States. Several high-impact departments operate within its walls.

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

This department focuses on training the next generation of principals, superintendents, and higher education administrators. The offices and seminar rooms dedicated to this program are designed to facilitate collaborative policy analysis and leadership development.

Educational Psychology and Learning Systems

Located within the Stone Building, this department explores the science behind how people learn. It includes programs in instructional systems and learning technologies, as well as counseling psychology and school psychology. The labs here are often equipped with specialized observation rooms for clinical training.

School of Teacher Education

As the largest unit within the building, the School of Teacher Education manages the certification programs for diverse fields, including elementary education, special education, and secondary subject areas. The faculty here coordinate extensive field experiences and internships for students throughout the state of Florida.

High-Tech Facilities and the Technology Sandbox

In 2007 and 2008, the Stone Building underwent an extensive multi-million dollar renovation. This project transformed the interior from a traditional 1970s layout into a high-tech environment suited for modern pedagogical research.

The Technology Sandbox

One of the most innovative spaces in the building is the "Technology Sandbox." This is a specialized laboratory where students and faculty can experiment with emerging classroom technologies. It is not uncommon to see students testing virtual reality (VR) headsets for history lessons, utilizing 3D printers for STEM education, or mastering interactive whiteboards. The goal of the Sandbox is to ensure that FSU graduates are not just comfortable with technology, but are leaders in implementing it within K-12 and higher education settings.

The Learning Resource Center (LRC)

The LRC serves as a specialized library and media hub for education students. It houses a vast collection of children’s literature, K-12 textbooks, and standardized testing materials. For a student preparing a lesson plan for their teaching internship, the LRC provides the specific resources required to meet Florida’s state educational standards. The center also includes laminating stations, poster printers, and group study rooms that are frequently occupied by students collaborating on curriculum design projects.

Architecture and the 2007 Renovation

The Stone Building represents a specific transition in FSU’s architectural history. While the university has returned to a more traditional "Jacobean" or "Collegiate Gothic" style for its newest buildings, the Stone Building stands as a testament to the modern brick era.

Structural Design

The building utilizes a tiered design with multiple wings that help segregate the noise of high-traffic student areas from the quiet research corridors of the graduate departments. The 2007 renovation focused heavily on the "inner life" of the building—improving natural lighting through the addition of glass partitions and upgrading the HVAC systems to be more environmentally sustainable.

Accessibility and Student Lounges

The renovation also prioritized the student experience. Modern lounges with comfortable seating and ample charging stations were integrated into the lobby and second-floor areas. These spaces serve as critical networking hubs where students from different educational disciplines can exchange ideas between classes.

Navigation and Location on Campus

Finding the Stone Building is relatively straightforward for those familiar with the east side of the FSU campus. It is located at 1114 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL.

Proximity to Key Landmarks

The Stone Building is situated near several other important academic structures. To its west lies the Tully Gymnasium and the Leach Center, while the Psychology Department buildings are located a short walk to the north. This central location within the academic core makes it easily accessible for students who may have elective courses in the arts or sciences.

Parking and Access

For visitors, parking can be found in the nearby Spirit Way garage or the Call Street parking lots, though campus parking regulations are strictly enforced during business hours. The building is equipped with multiple accessible entrances and elevators to ensure full compliance with ADA standards, reflecting the college's commitment to inclusivity.

The Significance of the Stone Building in Florida's Education

The impact of the work done inside the Stone Building extends far beyond the campus of Florida State University. As a primary producer of teachers for the state of Florida, the curricula developed here influence the daily lives of thousands of K-12 students.

Faculty members in the Stone Building are frequently involved in state-level policy discussions, and the research conducted in the Educational Policy labs often informs legislative decisions regarding school funding and teacher evaluation. For alumni, the Stone Building is a place of professional birth—the location where they first learned the theories of Dewey or the cognitive frameworks of Piaget before entering their own classrooms.

Frequently Asked Questions about the FSU Stone Building

What is the official address of the Stone Building?

The building is located at 1114 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306.

Is the Stone Building open to the public?

While primarily an academic facility for students and faculty, the building is generally open during standard university business hours. The Learning Resource Center has specific hours that may vary during semester breaks.

Can I find the Technology Sandbox in the Stone Building?

Yes, the Technology Sandbox is located on the ground floor and is a centerpiece of the building's 2007 renovation. It is accessible to students within the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.

Is the Stone Building where I go for the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall?

No. This is a frequent point of confusion. The Ruby Diamond Concert Hall is located inside the Westcott Building. While people often call Westcott a "stone building" because of its appearance, the Mode L. Stone Building is a different location dedicated to the College of Education.

Summary

The Mode L. Stone Building stands as a vital pillar of the Florida State University academic community. By housing the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, it provides the essential infrastructure for the training of future leaders in pedagogy, psychology, and social policy. Through its specialized facilities like the Technology Sandbox and the Learning Resource Center, the building ensures that FSU remains at the forefront of educational innovation. While its name may occasionally lead to confusion with the more ornate Westcott Building, its true value lies in the rigorous academic work and transformative research that take place within its modern, renovated corridors.