Our History

Department History

• Applied Science at William and Mary began as a program in the early 1970's whose topical emphases were Computer Science, Applied Math, Computer Science, Chemical Physics,  and  Atmospheric and Plasma Science (ionospheric studies).
• Applied Science became an independent department in 1995.  Research in the department at this time was mostly in the broader area of materials science.
• The department started a new track to include a life science component, featuring experimental efforts as well as theory and modeling.

History of our Building 

• Dedicated on October 27,1995, McGlothlin-Street Hall was first named Tercentenary Hall for the College of William and Mary's 300th birthday celebration in 1992-1993. Built at a   cost of $9.5 million, the four-story structure occupies a site along the historic Sunken Garden and completed the 1925 master plan of buildings on "Old Campus". 
• Bricks used for the building were custom-made by the Old Virginia Brick Co. to closely resemble bricks used for the Wren Building.
• In September, 1997, Lady Margaret Thatcher, former prime minister of Great Britain and Chancellor of the College was the principal speaker at the re-dedication of the McGlothlin-Street Hall. The building was renamed to honor James  McGlothlin(class of 1962, 1964), Chairman and CEO of The United Company of Bristol, Virginia, a former member of the Board of Visitors.