The groundbreaking for the new Drama and Ted Russell Center, took place recently at Carson-Newman University in Tennessee, the US. This 48,000-sf health sciences facility will feature several cutting edge laboratories, 12 classroom spaces,16 faculty offices and also includes an administration suite with conference room, faculty workroom, a food service area, student lounges, meeting areas and a covered outdoor terrace.
Barber McMurry Architects and the Johnson & Galyon construction company have been contracted by the University to manage the planning and construction of this health science facility, which is scheduled for completion in 2023. It is the first project to be launched as part of the “Acorns to Oaks” 5-year strategic plan of the University, which consists of new academic programs, expanded athletic offerings, new and renovated facilities, enrollment growth, and greater missional alignment.
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The Drama and Ted Russell Center is meant to serve as the future hub for the University’s health science programs and also pay tribute to Knoxville’s Drama Russell and her husband Ted, a 1962 C-N alumnus and a 2010 recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration.
The chairman of the University’s Nursing department mentioned that the mission of the University was centered on training caring and competent professionals, the needs of the learners and the way healthcare services are delivered, which is ever changing. He also stated, “This new building will have the necessary resources to meet unique learning needs of our students and assist faculty to equip them with the tools necessary to meet challenges with both confidence and compassion.”
The project’s launching is to commence soon after the University announces their new program for Doctor of Nursing Practice starting fall of 2021, and earning approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Drama and Ted Russell Center will help meet national nursing shortage needs head-on by providing instructional facilities necessary for BS Nursing (Traditional and Accelerated Programs), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Nurse Educator, Post – Master’s Certification: FNP, DNP – Doctorate of Nursing Practice (launching fall 2021)
