The Suncoast Science Center is charging up its roster, and is hiring a new chief operating officer. Christine Meeker Lange, best known locally for her work at Ringling College of Art and Design, said she looks forward to helping the startup change science education in the region. “I am truly honored to be chosen as the first Chief Operating Office of the Suncoast Science Center and am really looking forward to the amazing challenges and opportunities that await me,” Lange said.

Fritz and Ping Faulhaber founded the Suncoast Science Center in April, with Fritz Faulhaber serving as chairman of the board and Ping Faulhaber as executive director. Lange said she was excited to build upon the plans. “The Faulhabers are to be credited for taking the bold move from just talking about STEM education to creating an arts-infused, experiential learning space which I believe will act as a catalyst for change in our school system and beyond. Traditional textbook learning is simply not enough these days. It is critical to infuse left-brain models with right-brain ideals to give students of all ages a much richer environment in which to discover, experiment and play,” said Lange. “I hope to become a vital part of the SSC’s continued development for years to come.”

Lange brings 25 years of experience in media, technology and higher education. As special assistant to the president at Ringling College, she serves as a media spokeswoman for the school and headed up several chief level strategic initiatives, including the recent announcement of plans for a production facility and the 2010 launch of the college’s Filmmaking Studio Lab program. She has also has handled college branding and efforts to launch the Sarasota Museum of Modern Art.