| STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Centered around a commitment to answering the state’s demands for access to healthcare in rural and underserved areas, Tarleton State University opened its new $80 million Health Professions Building this morning. At 92,000 square feet, the best-in-class facility will provide specialized laboratory space, a dedicated research lab and classrooms to give students abundant opportunities for hands-on experience. “This state-of-the art Health Professions Building clearly showcases our commitment to transforming healthcare access for rural and underserved communities,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “The hands-on learning that will take place in this facility will prepare our graduates to improve community outcomes and spearhead innovative solutions. We appreciate the support of our state legislators, The Texas A&M System Board of Regents and Chancellor Glenn Hegar as we establish Tarleton State as the educational epicenter for rural healthcare, not just in Texas, but for the nation.” Notably, specialty teaching labs for new academic programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy and physician’s assistant studies will prepare students to enter the workforce with the skills needed to make a difference. A first-level divisible classroom space can function as three individual teaching spaces or accommodate a group of 160 in a single room. This is paired with dedicated study areas and interior and exterior community spaces to elevate the student experience. The Health Professions Building also features a new food and nutrition science lab and a 100-seat tiered lecture hall. Large windows throughout provide ample natural light to create a welcoming space for all. “Tarleton State’s new Health Professions Building is more than bricks and glass — it’s a promise to students and to rural Texas,” said Chancellor Glenn Hegar. “This facility gives young men and women the tools to learn, serve and lead in communities that need them most. When our students succeed here, families across this region will see the difference in better access to healthcare and stronger local economies.” Nearly 50 million people live in rural areas across the United States — almost 20% of the nation’s population. In many of these locations, access to physicians and specialists is limited, including in Stephenville, where the patient-physician ratio is 1,779 to 1. “The addition of this impressive new facility will provide students with cutting-edge learning spaces and have a direct correlation to improving the lives of rural Texans,” said state Rep. Shelby Slawson (District 59). “This is a monumental day for Tarleton State on its path to being a leader in rural healthcare education, and the regional impact that follows will be transformative.” Recently, Tarleton State announced the elevation of its College of Health Sciences to the Division of Health Sciences. As part of the strategic organizational structure, the School of Nursing, School of Kinesiology, and School of Health and Clinical Professions shifted to the new division, along with the proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine (applicant status — seeking accreditation). The new facility sits adjacent to the Nursing Building, with a skybridge connecting the two to provide seamless access while enhancing collaboration between the programs. “The members of the Board of Regents, the leaders of System and top officials at Tarleton State all recognize the importance of investing in rural healthcare education,” said Texas A&M System Board of Regents Chairman Robert Albritton. “This facility will help train the next generation of healthcare professionals who will go where they’re needed most. It’s a proud day for Tarleton, for Stephenville and for the entire Texas A&M System.” Perkins & Will was the architect for the project and Vaughn Construction the contractor. A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of over 21,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For over 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs. |
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