The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton recently announced plans for a new $16 million nursing and science center. The groundbreaking ceremony for the two-story, 36,000-SF center took place last Friday. Crafton Tull of Rogers is the architect for the project, with Nabholz Construction of Conway serving as the contractor. The center is expected to be completed and open for students by the fall of 2025.
The new facility will include seven science labs and classrooms, ten nursing labs and classrooms, and two student lounges for studying. This state-of-the-art building will provide space for several new programs, such as certified medication assistant, medical office technology assistant, and medical clinical assistant. There is also potential for additional programs to be added in the future.
Chancellor Lisa Willenberg expressed optimism that the new building could potentially double the school’s enrollment in nursing and related programs. The project is supported by a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration and an additional $2 million grant from the state Commerce Department’s Office of Skills Development. These grants were awarded as part of the Arkansas Linking Industry to Growing Nurses (ALIGN) program. In April, the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved a bond of up to $12 million for the construction of the new center.
