WNCC celebrates Health Sciences project with grand opening

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. -- Western Nebraska Community College celebrated the grand opening of its new Health Sciences facility with a ribbon cutting ceremony on January 26, marking a major milestone in the college’s commitment to healthcare education and workforce development in western Nebraska.

College leadership, faculty, students, community partners, and local officials gathered to commemorate the opening of the state-of-the-art facility, which will expand hands-on learning opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare.

"WNCC believes very strongly that we can help lead healthcare in this region," WNCC President Greg Dart said. "These students are the future of healthcare in this region. We wanted to give them a space that's just as magnificent as each of them."

The new Health Sciences facility features simulation labs, instructional classrooms, and collaborative learning spaces, designed to support all of WNCC's Health Sciences programs, including nursing, emergency medical services, health information technology, medical laboratory technology, and surgical technology. The space allows students to practice hands-on skills, while still in a learning environment, before entering the workforce.

"Having dedicated classrooms and lab spaces for each group allows us to learn in environments tailored to what we do best," Avery Davies, an Associate Degree Nursing student said. "It means more focused instruction, stronger collaboration within our cohorts, and a deeper sense of belonging within our programs."

The project was largely funded by funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), totaling approximately $9 million. Wilkins ADP served the project as the lead architect and Beckenhauer Construction led as the contractor and construction manager at-risk.

For more information about WNCC’s Health Sciences programs, visit wncc.edu

About Western Nebraska Community College

For more than 90 years, Western Nebraska Community College has been educating residents of Nebraska's Panhandle. With campus locations in Alliance, Scottsbluff, and Sidney, WNCC offers educational, training, and growth opportunities for students, partners, and community members throughout its 12-½ county service area