College to upgrade healthcare education program thanks to recent government allocation

MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. (KAIT) - A Baxter County college will soon upgrade its healthcare education facility after receiving millions of dollars in appropriations from the federal government.

Arkansas State University Mountain Home received an allocation from the recent federal budget passed by Congress for $6 million.

Officials said they will use the funding to make upgrades to Gotaas Hall, which houses all medical science programs at the university.

Chancellor Dr. Bentley Wallace explained they plan to use the money to add to the existing structure.

“We need more space, so this money will allow us to expand additional clinical space and simulation space,” he said.

The money will also be used to improve the technology students use every day.

“Technology is ever-changing, so by the time we get this construction project underway, we’ll be able to evaluate what the bleeding edge of technology is in health science today and equip our facility with that,” Dr. Wallace explained.

Students enrolled in the program said they’re thrilled about the growth.

“I’m super excited about it. Not only for the school, incoming students but also for the community itself,” RN Student Jeanna Thomas said.

Thomas added she is also excited about what this means for the overall care of their community.

“They great nurses, they want great EMTs. We will be better for it to serve our communities,” she explained.

The chancellor said he hopes work on the addition will begin as soon as the all-clear is given.

“We’ve started that paperwork process and are in contact with them. Once we get the directive from Senator Boozman’s office, we’ll engage architects and contractors to begin that and hopefully break ground as soon as possible.”

More information on the allocation can be found on the college’s website.

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