The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM) commenced construction on the $16 million Nursing and Science Center with a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, May 24.
The new two-story, 36,000-square-foot facility will be located southwest of Technology Building II on the UACCM campus. It will include seven science labs, 10 nursing labs, multiple classrooms and two student lounges.
The event was attended by Arkansas Rep. Rick Beck, University of Arkansas System President Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt, Conway County Judge Jimmy Hart, Morrilton Mayor Allen Lipsmeyer and other notable guests including representatives from Crafton Tull, Nabholz and UACCM’s healthcare industry partners.
Bobbitt addressed the attendees, stating, “This is a very ambitious project, but the board and system have no concerns or reservations because of the strong support this institution has in the community.”
Hart emphasized community involvement, saying, “What you see here today is the result of collaboration. People of this county and community are a big part of this. I love to see everybody working together because that is what makes our community what it is.”
Chancellor Lisa Willenberg and Mayor Lipsmeyer also spoke, highlighting the importance of community support for the project.
The entire project, including equipment and furniture, is estimated to be worth $16 million.
In July 2022, UACCM was awarded a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) for site development of the center.
In April, the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved a bond of up to $12 million, with a term not exceeding 32 years and an annual interest rate of no more than 5.5%, as previously approved by the UA System trustees.
Earlier this month, UACCM received another $2 million grant from the state Commerce Department’s Office of Skills Development under the Arkansas Linking Industry to Growing Nurses (ALIGN) program.
The Nursing and Science Center will house new programs such as Certified Medication Assistant, Medical Office Technology Assistant and Medical Clinical Assistant, with the potential for more programs in the future.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for nurses is projected to grow significantly, with over 275,000 additional nurses needed by 2030, and employment opportunities in the field are expected to increase 9% faster than all other occupations from 2016 to 2026.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing identifies several factors contributing to the nursing shortage, including limited nursing school faculty and the stress-related departure of many current nurses due to insufficient staffing.
“This new facility will allow UACCM to update its simulation equipment and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities to better equip its graduates to enter the workforce or transfer to other institutions,” said Willenberg.
She added that she anticipates the new building could eventually double enrollment in nursing and related programs. The Nursing and Science Center is scheduled to open in the fall of 2025.
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