North Carolina Senator Buck Newton and North Carolina Representative Ken Fontenot visited Barton College on Friday, March 22 to celebrate the development of the School of Health Sciences on campus. During their visit, a ceremonial check presentation of $3.7 million was made to College leadership, Board of Trustee members, faculty, and students.
Dr. Douglas N. Searcy, president of Barton College, expressed his gratitude for the partnership with state legislators and emphasized the importance of advancing healthcare teaching and workforce development in Wilson and Eastern North Carolina. The College is thrilled about the support of community partners as they work towards implementing new healthcare programs.
The funding secured by state lawmakers will primarily go towards an innovative health science facility at Barton College, featuring a simulation hospital and teaching facility. This initiative is a direct response to the increasing demand for healthcare and mental health professionals and resources in the community.
Eastern North Carolina is facing shortages in nurses, nurse educators, and primary care providers. At the same time, there is a growing need for access to healthcare, mental health, and substance misuse professionals in the region. Barton College, as the only baccalaureate-master’s level institution offering healthcare degrees in Wilson County, is well-positioned to address these challenges and help prepare more students to enter the healthcare workforce.
Barton College has been working tirelessly to develop its School of Health Sciences program that will provide students with hands-on training in various areas of healthcare. The new facility will enable students to simulate real-world scenarios and gain practical experience that will prepare them for successful careers in this field.
The state legislators who were present at the event expressed their appreciation for Barton College’s efforts in improving healthcare education and workforce development in Wilson and Eastern North Carolina. They acknowledged that there is still much work to be done to address the shortage of healthcare professionals in this region but are confident that with institutions like Barton College leading the way, progress can be made.
In conclusion, Barton College’s development of its School of Health Sciences program has been made possible through partnerships with state lawmakers who recognize the importance of investing in education and workforce development in this region. The new facility will equip students with practical skills that will enable them to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives while addressing critical health issues affecting our communities today.
