Mobile, Ala.— In response to the growing demand for qualified nurses and healthcare professionals across the country, Spring Hill College provides solutions in the form of the Annette N. Shelby Health and Science Innovation Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to support and expand the College’s nursing and health science programs.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 189,000 new registered nurses will be needed annually through 2031 to address retirements, burnout, and rising healthcare demands. Spring Hill College is working to help close this urgent gap by preparing students to step directly into these critical roles.
At the core of this effort is the Annette N. Shelby Health and Science Innovation Center, a modern academic facility that will serve as a hub for nursing and health science education on The Hill. The center will include advanced simulation labs, interactive classrooms, and interdisciplinary learning spaces that mirror real-world healthcare environments.
This major investment increases the College’s capacity to serve more students pursuing careers in healthcare and strengthens Spring Hill’s role as a pipeline of talent for hospitals, clinics, and care facilities in the Mobile area and beyond.
“While the nursing shortage is a national issue, what sets Spring Hill apart is the way we prepare our students to step confidently into the profession,” says Dr. Erin Sheppard, Associate Chair of Health & Sciences, Program Director of Nursing. “Our small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and emphasis on hands-on learning ensure graduates are both competent and compassionate caregivers. Nursing school is challenging everywhere, but our faculty go above and beyond—spending extra time in study sessions, skills practice, and mentoring to help students succeed. Our graduates are known not only for their clinical excellence, but for their professionalism and integrity.”
Spring Hill offers a growing range of academic programs tailored to the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. Students can pursue Bachelor’s degrees in Health Science, Pre-Health, and Nursing, along with a Master’s degree in Public Health. Pre-professional pathways are also available for students preparing for careers in medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, and other healthcare fields. Each program provides a strong foundation for success in real-world clinical environments.
With early clinical placements and personalized instruction, Spring Hill students benefit from a supportive yet academically rigorous learning environment. Partnerships with local and regional healthcare providers offer valuable hands-on experience in clinical settings.
The College’s nursing and health science programs are already delivering strong outcomes— the graduating Class of 2025 has a 100% NCLEX pass rate and a high rate of post-graduate employment.
Students interested in a career in healthcare are encouraged schedule a campus visit and explore our nursing and health science programs. You can start your application here!
ABOUT SPRING HILL COLLEGE:
Founded in 1830, Spring Hill College is the oldest Catholic college in the Southeast and the third oldest Jesuit college in the United States. Spring Hill combines the Jesuit tradition of excellence in education and a commitment to caring for the whole person — mind, body and spirit — with innovative educational experiences. Located in Mobile, Ala., Spring Hill’s mission is to form leaders engaged in learning, faith, justice, and service for life. As a result, Spring Hill students are engaged, inspired and transformed by their experiences.