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BRCC outlines Health Sciences Center consolidation and calls for dental lab and program expansion
Summary
BRCC told the joint committee it needs a dental lab and additional space to accommodate an expanded Nursing program and other health-science programs, proposing a single consolidated Health Sciences Center as a long-term plan; county officials expressed support for program growth to meet workforce needs.
Blue Ridge Community College officials told Henderson County and BRCC trustees on Feb. 27 that the college's Nursing program has expanded and that the school needs additional laboratory space, including a dental lab, to meet instructional demand.
Dr. Laura Leatherwood described a long-term plan to consolidate health-sciences programs into a single Health Sciences Center and to relocate other programs from the current health building to create the required instructional space. "The Nursing program has expanded, and there is a need to add a dental lab, along with space for additional programs," Leatherwood said.
Trustee Chip Gould said BRCC ranks among the top five colleges in North Carolina and called it an asset to Henderson County. Commissioner J. Michael Edney spoke in favor of expanding programs that support the local workforce, naming health sciences, manufacturing-support industries, engineering, agricultural support for the farming community, and emergency services as priorities.
The committee did not vote on a specific Health Sciences Center project during the meeting; officials discussed site constraints (utilities and parking) and potential funding avenues but did not authorize construction or appropriations.
The meeting ended after the presentation and discussion; minutes were approved and the committee adjourned at 2:23 p.m.
