Goshen College unveils $21M center to address regional health care shortage
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Goshen College has officially launched its $21 million Center for Nursing and Public Health to expand health care education and address the critical nursing shortage in northern Indiana.
Located in the renovated Westlawn Hall, the new center is triple the size of the college’s former nursing facilities. With the expanded facilities, the school hopes to double the number of students in its nursing program.
“We’re also so lucky to have Goshen College as part of our community to provide education to people right here,” Jewel Yoder, chair of the Department of Nursing and Public Health, said. “And then, they are able to walk right across the street and make it to a health care institution, where they can have an immediate positive impact.”
The 18,000-square-foot facility includes three inpatient simulation rooms, six exam rooms, and a 10-bed skills lab. Students will receive hands-on training in high-risk scenarios, such as intensive care and labor and delivery, preparing them for real-world clinical environments.
The project was made possible through a combination of federal and local funding, including a $4 million grant from the federal Economic Development Administration and a $1 million contribution from the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. Additional support came from private donors and community partners.
The school launched Indiana’s first Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 1950. The new center deepens the college’s nursing legacy and strengthens partnerships with local health care providers like Goshen Health. About 27.5% of Goshen Health’s nurses graduated from Goshen College, and that number is expected to increase over the next few years.
“The academic programs housed in this building — nursing and public health — are deeply connected to our local community,” Goshen College President Rebecca Stoltzfus said. “We are fortunate and grateful to work with Goshen Health and Greencroft as neighbors, clinical partners, thought partners, generous donors and employers of our graduates.”
The renovated Westlawn Hall also features enhanced dining services and gathering spaces to serve the entire campus community. The first floor features a new kitchen, student lounge, and multi-purpose event space.
As of the fall 2024 semester, 130 students were enrolled in the nursing and public health programs. With a national shortage in health care workers, Goshen College said the new center positions the school as a key contributor to regional health and economic stability.