USD School of Health Sciences Groundbreaking Set for April 1
“The groundbreaking and construction of the new School of Health Sciences building reflects a commitment from the state of South Dakota, industry leaders and the university to strengthen health care education, and it represents a critical contribution to improving health care in our state,” said USD President Sheila K. Gestring.
The new building will house many programs of the School of Health Sciences, including dental hygiene, nursing, physician assistant, addiction counseling and prevention, medical laboratory science, public health and health sciences, and social work.
As the only comprehensive school of health sciences in South Dakota, the USD School of Health Sciences boasts more than 2,000 students, graduates between 500 and 600 students each year and offers 16 degree-granting programs. Approximately half of the 50,000 technical and professional health care jobs in South Dakota require a college degree, and half of those degrees have been earned at USD. Over 63% of those who graduate from a program in the School of Health Sciences remain in South Dakota to practice.
“The soon-to-be 3-story, 45,000 square-foot building is more than brick and mortar to us,” said Haifa Abou Samra, Ph.D., School of Health Sciences dean. “It is the culmination of years of planning and efforts by many individuals. This building is a worthy and necessary investment not only today, but also for the future. It is a critical asset that assures us South Dakota’s best and brightest will receive exemplary education, allowing them to contribute to our state’s health care and economy.”
The new School of Health Sciences building is projected to be completed in August 2023.
Masks are expected for all attendees.
Media please RSVP to Hanna DeLange at Hanna.DeLange@usd.edu.
