Images above and in the article are artist concepts of both the exterior of the new School for Health Sciences and the interior of the Simulation Hospital Lab.
Wilson, N.C. – August 8, 2024 – Barton College is excited to announce the receipt of a $6,000,000 grant from the Healthcare Foundation of Wilson to support the development of the College’s School of Health Sciences. This cornerstone gift represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare education and underscores Barton College and the Foundation’s collaborative efforts towards improving the quality of life for the citizens of Wilson.
“A strong partnership with the Healthcare Foundation signals our mutual commitment to enhancing the health and wellness of our community,” said Dr. Douglas N. Searcy, president of Barton College. “This direct and meaningful investment in our School of Health Sciences, in turn, will have a direct and meaningful impact for Wilson. Barton will leverage this grant to educate and graduate students who will have an immediate, positive impact in the workforce.”
The School of Health Sciences at Barton College is poised to become a critical component of the region’s educational and healthcare landscape. The grant will support the construction of state-of-the-art facilities and the purchase of advanced educational technology, with the goal of helping build a healthier community.
“The new school will feature a distinctive simulation hospital model where students engage in real-life scenarios and utilize technology to advance their learning,” shared Dr. Kevin N. Pennington, vice president for academic affairs at Barton College. “Instruction will focus on cross-training from different academic points of view, which will include mental health and psychology as integral concepts in the education of future nurses and allied health professionals. In addition, rural healthcare priorities will be a central focus in Barton’s teaching and delivery.”
The School of Health Sciences offers undergraduate programs in fields such as nursing, exercise science, psychology, and public health (launching in fall 2025), among others, and master’s degrees in kinesiology, nursing, and a future Nurse Practitioner Program. These programs are designed to address the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, and Barton’s faculty is committed to providing students with hands-on learning experiences that will prepare them for successful careers.
“This grant marks a significant milestone in Barton College’s ongoing efforts to expand its educational offerings and impact in Eastern North Carolina,” concluded Kelly Taranto, vice president for institutional advancement at Barton College. “We are grateful to the Healthcare Foundation of Wilson for believing in our work, investing in our vision, and leading change for our students.”
For more information on Barton College’s School of Health Sciences, please visit www.barton.edu/schools/health-sciences/
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