(Mobile, AL) Spring Hill College is thrilled to announce that Mobile County voted this morning to approve a $750,000 contribution to the College’s pioneering Health and Science Innovation Center. This crucial funding, along with what is hoped to be additional funding from the City of Mobile, would provide a total of $1.5 million to support the development of the Center.
The new state-of-the-art facility, encompassing 57,000 square feet, is set to transform the College’s Nursing, Pre-Med, Health Sciences, and Natural Science programs. This expansion will significantly increase the College’s capacity, allowing for an increase in Nursing program enrollment from 40 to 120 students, and boosting the Pre-Med and Health Sciences programs from 150 to 200 students. This initiative is a vital response to the regional and nationwide shortage of nurses and doctors.
Rendering Courtesy of Williams Blackstock Architects
Mobile County Commission President, Randall Dueitt emphasized the importance of the funding: “Supporting the construction of the Health and Science Innovation Center at Spring Hill College is an investment in our community’s future. This collaboration between Mobile County, the City of Mobile, and Spring Hill College demonstrates our shared commitment to advancing education and healthcare, which are vital to our region’s growth. We are excited to support this agreement, which will not only enhance educational opportunities but also contribute to the economic development of Mobile County.”
Dr. Mary H. Van Brunt, President of Spring Hill College, expressed her gratitude and excitement about the approval: “We are deeply grateful for the support from Mobile County and what we expect to be additional funding from the City of Mobile. This funding is crucial for advancing our mission to train the next generation of healthcare professionals. With this investment, we will be able to expand our programs and address critical healthcare needs in our community and beyond.”
The Health and Science Innovation Center will replace the outdated Walsh Hall and will be strategically located at the heart of Spring Hill College’s academic campus. The project, estimated to cost between $37 million and $42 million, will feature advanced equipment, including Nursing Simulators, Virtual Reality Equipment, and Anatomage Tables, ensuring the facility meets the highest standards of modern healthcare and STEM education.
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the US 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 those of the author(s) 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.
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.