Beaver College of Health Sciences groundbreaking Thursday, June 23

View larger image — Architectural rendering of the Beaver College of Health Sciences to be constructed adjacent to Watauga Medical Center on property donated by Appalachian Regional Healthcare System.

Posted June 22, 2016 at 2:23 p.m.

BOONE—A ground-breaking ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, June 23, from 10 – 11 a.m. at Appalachian State University’s Beaver College of Health Sciences site, 1179 State Farm Road. The campus community and public are invited.

It has been less than three months since the Connect N.C. bond passed, allocating $70 million in funds for construction of the 203,000 square foot facility. At a site dedication ceremony in April, attended by UNC President Margaret Spellings, Chancellor Sheri N. Everts said, “Our project is shovel ready and work will begin in July.”

Everts added, “Indeed, we are on schedule to begin work. This world-class facility will expand our capacity to provide healthcare professionals for North Carolina,” she continued. “With qualified healthcare professionals and healthcare educators, Appalachian can help meet the demand created by a critical shortage of health care access, particularly for residents in the rural areas of our state.

“The new college facility will also provide inter-professional collaboration across the disciplines, which will in turn help attract talented students, faculty and staff to the northwestern region of our state.”

Nearly 20 percent of Appalachian’s students are taught by Beaver College of Health Sciences faculty. Including nursing, there are six departments and 16 undergraduate and graduate degrees offered in the college, from disciplines including communication sciences and disorders, and nutrition and health care management.

The new building will be constructed on a 9.2-acre parcel of land adjacent to Watauga Medical Center and donated by Appalachian Regional Healthcare System.

For questions or additional information, contact the Office of the Chancellor at 828-262-7642.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.