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Grand Opening for TJC’s Robert M. Rogers Nursing & Health Sciences Center

Posted/updated on: April 12, 2015 at 7:49 am
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IMG_0375-X2TYLER — Much has changed at the corner of Fifth Street and Fleishel Avenue. What was once a dusty corner lot occupied by a gas station, a pharmacy, and a restaurant is now a 155,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art training ground for future nurses, dental hygienists, sonographers, radiologic technologists, and a host of other health care professionals. That’s according to a news release from Tyler Junior College.

On Aug. 22, 2013, TJC officials turned the ceremonial shovels and broke ground on the Robert M. Rogers Nursing & Health Sciences Center. Friday, TJC officials and community leaders returned to celebrate the opening of the four-story facility. According to the news release, it triples the previous classroom and laboratory space for TJC nursing and health sciences programs and houses the latest medical technology training equipment.

The additional and expanded programs will produce a projected 50 percent more TJC graduates in health care fields – up from 600 in 2013 to 900 by the year 2017. The new space has also allowed the addition of new programs, including occupational therapy assistant, wellness and exercise specialist, physical therapist assistant, dental assisting, community health worker, and polysomnography (sleep study). Features include the latest in simulation laboratories, as well as technology-enhanced classrooms that allow students to receive training on new, advanced equipment, according to TJC officials.

“This facility is just incredible,” TJC President Dr. Mike Metke said. “The students have told us how proud they are to have such a wonderful place to call home. Students who pass through here will have the very best training by our top-notch faculty using the latest technology.”

The $50 million center was funded with a $25 million bond issue approved by voters in May 2012, plus student fees and private contributions. Metke recognized Dr. Paul Powell of the Robert M. Rogers Foundation, which provided the lead, naming gift for the project; Dr. Pat Thomas and Harold Beaird, who led the way in generating private support; and the members of the TJC Board of Trustees for their visionary leadership.

“None of this would have been possible were it not for the support of the city, the Chamber of Commerce, the county and most importantly, our tax payers,” Metke said. “You all listened to our proposal and you endorsed our plans to bring the finest medical fields training facility to Tyler and to help make Tyler a health care training destination. Thank you for believing in us and seeing our vision.”

Remarks were also given by Dr. Kim Russell, TJC vice president for advancement and external affairs; Dr. Joe Prud’homme, TJC Board of Trustees president; Dr. Paul Powell, representative of the Rogers Foundation; Barbara Bass, former mayor of Tyler; and Joel Baker, Smith County judge.

The lead architectural firm for the project was SmithGroupJJR, a firm renowned for its expertise in the planning and construction of hospitals and medical training facilities. SmithGroupJJR joined with four local firms in the building’s development and design: Eubanks Harris Roberts Craig Architects, Fitzpatrick Architects, Brannon Corporation and David C. Scarbrough Landscape Architecture. HGR+Turner Joint Venture was the construction manager-at-risk. Go to http://www.tjcnursing.com For more information on the Robert M. Rogers Nursing & Health Sciences Center.



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