Historic event marks start of first new campus academic building since 1979
The public is invited to join the Emporia State University campus community, donors and state leaders at the groundbreaking for the new 32,000-square-foot Nursing + Student Wellness building. This landmark event begins at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 24.
The project is the first new academic building to be constructed on the Emporia State campus in 45 years, underscoring the university's unwavering commitment to innovation and sending its graduates into careers that benefit the State of Kansas.
Set to open its doors in Fall 2025, the forthcoming Nursing + Student Wellness building promises to be a beacon of cutting-edge learning and holistic student support. At its heart lies the Simulation Hospital Suite, which will be home to specialized training labs and simulation rooms tailored to adult care, obstetrics, emergency care, and pediatric care. Complementing this state-of-the-art suite are classrooms, a dynamic learning commons, conference rooms, and a dedicated student success center — all designed to help students be successful on their academic journey.
Completion of the first phase is key to moving the nursing program to the main campus of the university, a move that will benefit students, who will have closer proximity to on-campus student success programs. It also benefits the academic program by allowing faculty in nursing and other science and applied health programs to collaborate.
The second phase of work will build out brand new clinical areas for ESU Student Wellness, which provides health care and counseling services for enrolled students.
Today, healthcare providers in the state of Kansas have approximately 3,300-plus open nursing positions; 1.2 million new nurses will be needed by 2030 to address nationwide shortages. As a regional institution, ESU is preparing nurses, many of whom choose to stay in Kansas and serve their rural communities upon graduation.
After the official groundbreaking ceremony concludes on Wednesday, guests are invited to use the commemorative shovels to turn over dirt for their own photo opportunities at this historic event.