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$2M renovations slated at WSCC

An estimated $2 million renovation project is scheduled to start this summer at Washington State Community College.

The college received a Higher Education Improvement Fund grant for $1,183,806 earlier this year.

“WSCC will be renovating and expanding our health sciences labs and classrooms,” said Amanda K. Herb, vice-president of institutional advancement. “This project will involve 19,000 square feet of space in our main building.”

She said it includes a renovation of 10,000 square feet of existing health sciences labs and classroom space, as well as a 9,000 foot expansion that will include new labs and classrooms in the space formerly occupied by student services, records and business office.

Work is scheduled to be finished in the summer of 2022. Officials anticipate minimal disruption for students, Herb said.

“The project will be completed in three to four phases to limit disruption to instruction,” she said. “In addition, the college will plan the phases around both summer and winter break when fewer students are on campus.”

Dr. Heather Kincaid, dean of health and sciences, said this is an exciting project which will allow for increased student enrollment in high demand health fields.

“In addition, the renovation will provide students with access to state-of-the-art simulation laboratories which will enhance students’ clinical skills resulting in better patient outcomes,” she explained.

She added local hospitals and healthcare facilities rely on graduates to meet their workforce vacancies.

“This project will also provide space for the development of the occupational therapist assistant program, our newest health program that is set to launch in 2023,” Kincaid said.

Herb explained the renovation and expansion project features:

¯ a new lab space for Physical Therapist Assistant and Occupational Therapist Assistant programs;

¯ additional nursing simulation rooms;

¯ expanded cadaver lab and anatomage lab to support biology, anatomy and physiology coursework;

¯ a renovated medical laboratory technology lab;

¯ a new independent living suite for the occupational therapist program; and

¯ a respiratory therapy lab.

“Washington State Community College is privileged to collaborate with our workforce partners in both Ohio and West Virginia to meet the ever-changing healthcare needs of our region,” Dr. Vicky Wood, college president. “We strive to produce graduates that align with workforce needs while also providing opportunities for students to secure good-paying jobs and support the economic well-being of our community.”

She said as they celebrate their 50th anniversary, the project represents a new chapter in the college’s story of impact and success.

Michele Newbanks can be reached at mnewbanks@mariettatimes.com.

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