New nursing college building opens in downtown Phoenix

[Source: Arizona State University] — The College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University dedicated its new building today at a time it is experiencing the most significant changes in its 52-year history.  Change has impacted every part of the college — faculty and staff, leadership, curriculum, name, strategic mission, and facilities.  “Change is inevitable everywhere today, and without change, there is no innovation,” Dean Bernadette Melnyk said.  “Most people fear change, but not here at ASU.  We see change as a huge opportunity for innovation and building strength.  Our recent changes mark the dawn of a new era for our college and multiply opportunities for students, faculty and staff.”

An impressive new five story 84,000 square foot building is the most visible of the changes in the college.  Construction of the building was completed in only 16 months in time to open for fall semester.  “This expansion provides the best facilities we have ever had and helps facilitate the integration of new programs into our college,” said Dean Melnyk.  “The additional building provides much needed space to continue to offer the highest quality of educational programs and the most cutting-edge research to guide best practices, as well as the opportunity to continue to launch innovative initiatives that will improve the health of Arizona residents.” 

The ASU dean praised the City, general contractor DPR Construction, architectural firm SmithGroup, and the ASU implementation team for working together to build a signature building on budget and on schedule.  The City of Phoenix and ASU partnered to build the campus and the new nursing building as part of a city bond issue that voters passed in 2006. 

Serving as the northern gateway to the new ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus, the glass and copper structure includes a 200-seat auditorium, classrooms, student facilities, and faculty office and research space.  The building includes several sustainable elements and outside public spaces that provide shaded green areas with a water feature.  As a part of ASU’s restructuring in the spring of 2009, several health-related programs of the former School of Applied Arts and Sciences at the Polytechnic Campus were merged into the ASU nursing college.  The Exercise and Wellness, Nutrition, and Health Sciences programs became part of the college.  [Note: Read the full article at New nursing college building opens in downtown Phoenix.]