Emporia State University has announced plans to move its nursing department from Newman Regional Health’s campus to its own.
ESU Vice President for Infrastructure Cory Falldine says the goal is to renovate part of Central Morse Hall, vacant since the end of the spring 2019 semester, as the new department headquarters. ESU says the building is in “excellent structural condition.” From the university’s perspective, the timing fits with future department plans with nursing into its second century of operation — and also with an agreement between both entities for Emporia State’s use of the Cora Miller Building at 12th and Chestnut expiring in the summer of 2024. ESU says the move makes more sense from a financial standpoint than purchasing Cora Miller.
Newman Regional Health Chief Executive Officer Bob Wright says the hospital has benefited from having the nursing school on its property, but he says Emporia State’s decision opens up a conversation on ways both the hospital and university can work together to attract more students to Emporia State and more ESU graduates to the hospital. This also lets Newman Regional Health include the Cora Miller facility in its own long-term plans.
The process has the approval of the Kansas Board of Regents. The current plan is to solicit bids, make renovations and then move the department within the next two years. Cost estimates have not been announced.
More information from both ESU and NRH will be detailed on KVOE’s ESU Buzz at 8:20 am Thursday.
