Mobile, Ala. — Spring Hill College today celebrated a historic milestone with the groundbreaking of the Annette N. Shelby Health and Science Innovation Center.
This transformative $35 million facility will expand Spring Hill’s nursing and pre-med programs, launch new programs such as exercise science, and strengthen graduate pathways in occupational therapy, physical therapy and other health sciences. Completion is anticipated by spring 2027.
“Annette devoted her life to education, mentorship and public service. Many years ago, after meeting with Fr. Lucey, Annette advocated for Spring Hill College and offered to seek my help in supporting the College’s vision for the future,” said Sen. Richard Shelby. “Her passion and determination played an important role in securing the support and funding that made this project possible. I am proud to see her legacy live on here at Spring Hill, where her name will inspire generations of students to reach new heights in health and science.”
The new state-of-the-art, 57,000-square-foot center will prepare students for high-demand careers in healthcare, science and research while addressing critical workforce needs in Mobile, across Alabama and nationwide. The new facility will have an Anatomage lab, using digital cadavers for training, a high tech nursing simulation lab space, virtual reality lab and labs dedicated to nursing skills and microscopy. As these academic offerings grow, the College expects to add faculty and staff to support them.
“This is a moment of tremendous pride for Spring Hill College as we break ground on a new chapter for our campus,” said Dr. Mary Van Brunt, president of Spring Hill College. “We are grateful for the federal, city and county support that makes this vision possible. This will be the first building on our campus named solely after a woman, and as the College’s first female president, I am both proud of and inspired by this milestone. Annette’s legacy will live on here at Spring Hill as we prepare students to meet future challenges in science, health and beyond.”
Supported by federal funding secured through the leadership of Senator Richard Shelby, along with investments from the City of Mobile and Mobile County, the project represents the power of partnership in advancing education and innovation.
Key attendees at the groundbreaking included Senator Richard Shelby; Senator Vivian Figures; Representatives Chris Pringle and Napoleon Bracy Jr.; Mobile County Commissioners Merceria Ludgood and Connie Hudson; Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson; Councilmembers Ben Reynolds and Cory Penn; Dr. Mary Van Brunt, president of Spring Hill College; and Patti Kane, chair of the Spring Hill College Board of Trustees.
“Together with the Mobile City Council, I am proud to stand alongside Spring Hill College as they expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in health and science,” said Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson. “This new facility is not just an asset for the university — it’s an investment in the future of our community and the medical professionals who come to Mobile to master their craft. The students who walk these halls will go on to serve local patients, strengthen our healthcare system and ensure that Mobile continues to be a place where businesses and families want to be.”
Dr. Shelby, a native of Alabama, was a pioneering scholar who became one of the first women to earn tenure at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, a fellow Jesuit institution. Her lifelong commitment to education, mentorship and public service continues to inspire.
“Dr. Annette Shelby was an outstanding educator whose life reflected excellence, service, and a commitment to preparing students to be strong advocates for the greater good. Naming this Spring Hill College facility in her honor is a fitting tribute, reflecting her values and helping ensure that future generations are well-equipped to serve their communities,” said Mobile County Commission President Merceria Ludgood. “The County/City investment in the new Annette N. Shelby Health and Science Innovation Center will build on Spring Hill College’s legacy of preparing exceptional healthcare professionals, expand training for students in critical health and science fields, address workforce shortages, increase access to care, and strengthen healthcare education in Mobile County.”
“The Annette N. Shelby Health and Science Innovation Center reflects Spring Hill College’s mission to serve and to lead,” said Patti Kane, chair of the Spring Hill College Board of Trustees. “It honors a woman whose life embodied excellence and service, while equipping our students with the tools they need to thrive in a changing world. This project is a bold step forward not just for Spring Hill, but for Mobile and for Alabama.”
ABOUT SPRING HILL COLLEGE
Founded in 1830, Spring Hill College is the oldest institution of higher learning in Alabama, 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, Alabama, 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. For more information, visit www.shc.edu.
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $36,615,031 with 5% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents of this press release are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.