John Brown University in Siloam Springs has received a $750,000 gift from the Pat & Willard Walker Charitable Foundation to support the expansion of the university’s Health Education Building.
Built in 2016, the Health Education Building houses JBU’s nursing program, which has grown from 35 students at its inception to 127 students today. About 60% of JBU nursing students stay in northwest Arkansas after graduation.
The planned $8 million expansion includes upgrades to the existing nursing simulation lab and a new two-story, 16,000-square-foot wing.
The new wing provides the nursing program with a new computer testing classroom, a test consulting space and space for future growth. The first floor will be used for JBU’s growing computer science programs.
“This generous gift will enable us to train more highly skilled, compassionate nurses at a time when our state and region desperately need them,” Jim Krall, senior vice president for university advancement, said in a press release.
The total funds pledged or given for the expansion project amount to $3.24 million.
Along with endowed scholarships, previous gifts from the foundation helped fund JBU’s Walker Student Center, Walker Residence Hall, Bill George Arena, Simmons Great Hall and Northslope Apartments.
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