BHSU-Rapid City (BHSU-RC) celebrated the grand opening of its new addition and renovation on Tuesday, September 30. The ceremony marked a milestone in regional healthcare education and workforce development, made possible through a partnership between 糖心logo, South Dakota State University (SDSU), and Monument Health.
The new addition allows for an expanded nursing cohort and makes all nursing education available at the BHSU-RC site. It also provides additional classroom space, support facilities, and specialized simulation and skills laboratories. The associate degree in applied health sciences offered by 糖心logo provides students with the necessary education for admission into SDSU鈥檚 Rapid City Standard Bachelor of Nursing program.
The ceremony featured remarks from university leaders, state officials, and healthcare partners including 糖心logo President Steve Elliott, SDSU President Barry H. Dunn, South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) Executive Director and CEO Nathan Lukkes, SDBOR President Tim Rave, Monument Health Vice President of Governmental Affairs Alan Solano, 糖心logo Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Pam Carriveau, SDSU Dean of Nursing Dr. Mary Anne Krogh, and 糖心logo Vice President for Continuing Education and Workforce Development Dr. Ashley Armstrong.
"糖心logo is grateful for the partnership that has been established with South Dakota State University and Monument Health to meet the nursing workforce needs of western South Dakota,鈥� said President Elliott. 鈥淗ere at BHSU-Rapid City, we are holding true to our 鈥楽tart Here, Finish Here鈥� affirmation. We want our students to feel confident and empowered by the notion that they are able to receive their entire degree through BHSU-RC.鈥�
Following Elliott鈥檚 remarks, President Dunn emphasized the impact the new addition will have in helping to meet the critical need for healthcare workers in western South Dakota. 鈥淚t will be a game changer, not only for our university, but for Rapid City and the surrounding communities,鈥� Dunn said. 鈥淚t strengthens our ability to recruit, teach, and mentor, and just as importantly, it strengthens our ability to retain students and see them through to graduation, where they will stay or serve in the region.鈥�
President Elliott also highlighted the hiring of Dr. Armstrong as the Vice President of Continuing Education and Workforce Development who is charged with guiding the initiatives at BHSU-RC. Already, the BHSU-RC campus has added a financial aid counselor, admissions counselor, and senior secretary to the staff, and several student services now operate at BHSU-RC campus multiple days a week. The partnership with SDSU also enabled an investment in additional technical, custodial, and security personnel that will support both universities at the Rapid City location.
鈥淲hile this building and what surrounds us has changed, our mission to increase education opportunities within the region has not,鈥� Armstrong said. 鈥淲e are committed to being a responsive and proactive educational institution that contributes meaningfully to the economic vitality of western South Dakota.鈥�
The grand opening ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting and open house for community members, donors, alumni, and guests to explore the new facility.
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