Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus dedicated its new Health Sciences and Wellness Building with a ceremony attended by university leaders, faculty, staff, students, alumni and community supporters on Thursday morning.
“Imagine for a moment what this building is really about,” said Dr. Robin E. Bowen, Arkansas Tech president. “Academic programs in emergency medical technician, paramedic, physical therapist assistant, practical nursing, nursing assistant, registered nursing and health information technology are housed in this facility. Graduates of those programs go on to rewarding careers that will allow them to provide for their families. They will contribute to an enhanced tax base, which will allow the State of Arkansas to provide more and better services its citizens.
“Even more importantly, the graduates of these programs will enhance, extend and in some cases save the lives of our neighbors, our friends and our family,” continued Bowen. “Each of these professions is truly a noble calling.”
The 20,273-square foot Health Sciences and Wellness Building is Arkansas Tech-Ozark’s first two-story structure. It features laboratory and technology expansion, offices for faculty and support staff, a fitness center, student lounge areas and a testing center.
It houses five of the campus’ allied health programs — paramedic, health information technology, physical therapist assistant, practical nursing and registered nursing. The building also has three new computer labs available for student use.
Among those on hand to celebrate the dedication were Kathryn Gough, field representative for U.S. Senator John Boozman; Kaci Sturgeon, field representative for U.S. Senator Tom Cotton; and Bobby Ballinger, field representative for U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman.
Arkansas State Senator Gary Stubblefield, Arkansas State Representative Bill Gossage, Franklin County Judge Rickey Bowman, Logan County Judge Ray Gack, Mayor T.R. McNutt of Ozark, Mayor Bobby Sewell of Subiaco, Mayor Carolyn McGee of Dardanelle and Mayor Bob Freeman of Van Buren were among the other dignitaries present and recognized from the podium by Bruce Sikes, chancellor of Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus.
“The project that we are celebrating today represents our continued commitment to our current and our future students, and to our industry partners,” said Sikes. “It also represents our growth in student enrollment and program offerings. This project is the culmination of strategic planning started by our faculty, staff and administration here on the Ozark campus. It will provide us with the ability to serve all students and continue our mission of providing access to a quality educational environment.”
Construction cost for the Health Sciences and Wellness Building was $4 million. It was designed by Crafton Tull and constructed by The Cone Group.
“It has been almost 13 years since this campus became a part of Arkansas Tech University,” said Leigh Burns Whiteside, vice chairman of the Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees and a native of Ozark. “There has been tremendous growth here…growth in enrollment…growth in the number of academic programs…and growth in the impact that this campus makes on the region. This facility is a symbol of that growth. It represents Arkansas Tech’s commitment to serve our industry partners and our students. It represents our commitment to focus on the employment needs of this region.
“Dr. Bowen likes to say we need good everything,” continued Whiteside. “She’s right. That is why Arkansas Tech is dedicated to student success, regardless of whether the student happens to attend classes in Russellville, in Ozark, at Arkansas Tech Career Center in Russellville, at one of our satellite locations or online. Every student is important at Arkansas Tech.”
Visit www.atu.edu/ozark to learn more about educational opportunities available at Arkansas Tech-Ozark Campus.
