Editor's update: The full Board of Trustees approved the proposal at its meeting on Nov. 10.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Board of Trustees Committee on Finance, Business and Capital Planning advanced a proposal to begin renovations and an addition to the Nursing Sciences Building on the University Park campus today (Nov. 9).  

The proposal will be considered by the full board at its meeting on Nov. 10.  

The facility, located along College Avenue on the south-west corner of the HUB lawn, is the primary facility for the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, which serves more than 2,200 undergraduate and graduate students on 13 Penn State campuses.  

“This renovation project will enhance our teaching and learning spaces by creating truly collaborative, experiential learning environments,” Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing Dean Laurie Badzek. “As a premier educator of pre-licensure nurses across the commonwealth, this upgrade to our building at University Park will ensure the next generation of nurses are confident in their skills and will have experienced a nursing education that mirrors the needs of the profession.” 

The Nursing Sciences Building underwent a minor renovation in 2017 when a new main entrance was added. This project intends to replace the façade on the existing structure to correct water intrusion issues and match the circa-2017 entrance, as well as replace HVAC systems that are at their end of life, inefficient lighting, and outdated finishes. Approximately 25,000 square feet of the building will undergo various levels of renovation, ranging from light touch-ups to fully renewed spaces. All told, the planned renovations will mitigate an estimated $12 million in maintenance backlog costs. 

In addition, a 2,700-square-foot expansion will be constructed on the building’s northwest side to create a new 180-person active learning, simulation-ready classroom and a knowledge commons space.  

“A true complement to the simulation component of nursing’s curriculum, the new active learning classroom will aid in the facilitation of hands-on practice, critical thinking and decision-making in a controlled environment,” Badzek said. “The interactive nature of active learning promotes effective communication and teamwork, all of which are vital qualities in the health care profession. Ultimately, these classrooms prepare nursing students to provide safe, patient-centered care and adapt to the ever-evolving health care landscape.” 

The project is expected not to exceed $28 million, with approximately $10 million coming from philanthropic gifts. Full construction is slated to take place in summer 2024, with early enabling work taking place until then.