Rose State College Celebrates Groundbreaking for Health Sciences Building Expansion Published March 11, 2025

Rose State College celebrated a significant milestone today by breaking ground on expanding its Health Sciences Building. This project, funded by $9.4 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funds, will enhance Oklahoma's healthcare education and workforce training.

“Thanks to ARPA funding, Legislatures, and the state of Oklahoma, we will be able to expand our Nursing program facility, grow our enrollment by 50%, and purchase new equipment,” said Rose State College's President, Dr. Jeanie Webb. “Our Nursing always has a long waiting list, and now we will be able to give more students an opportunity.”

The Health Sciences expansion will increase enrollment capacity, modernize classrooms, and upgrade clinical simulation labs with the latest technology. These improvements will give students hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring they graduate as highly competent and safe healthcare professionals.

“This expansion will give us an opportunity to increase our enrollment to train more future nurses than we ever have,” said Health Sciences Dean Dr. Rita Mild. “It will allow us the chance to upgrade to the newest technology in clinical simulation education so that we can continue to provide the most competent and safe nurses to practice in our local communities.”

The groundbreaking ceremony united college leadership, faculty, students, alums, healthcare professionals, and community supporters. Attendees learned about the project’s highlights and participated in the ceremonial turning of the soil to mark the start of construction.

"The new nursing facility will provide an incredible opportunity for future nursing students. It will offer more space, resources, and tools to help students succeed in their academic and clinical training,” said RSC nursing student Katy Buxton. “The nursing profession requires individuals who are not only skilled and quick to act but also compassionate and understanding. Rose State's nursing program does an exceptional job of preparing us to be both." 

The expanded Health Sciences building will feature advanced simulation labs, collaborative learning spaces, and modernized facilities to support student success. Once completed, the expansion will help meet the rising demand for healthcare professionals in Oklahoma and beyond.

Visit Rose State College for more information about Health Sciences programs.