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HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) — State and local officials broke ground Wednesday for a new three-story facility that will house the College of Nursing at the University of Southern Mississippi.
The $31 million Asbury Hall is scheduled to be completed in 2016 on the western end of campus in Hattiesburg. Dr. Katherine Nugent, dean of the College of Nursing, said it will help in recruiting new students.
"This has been an eight-year journey," Nugent said. "I remember being told a new building for the College of Nursing was not going to happen. People who know me also know that I'm not the most patient person. Well, here we are. ... This is the result of patience, persistence, sharing our story and a lot of support."
The Hattiesburg American reported (http://hatne.ws/1ASZmEf ) the facility will increase the College of Nursing's square footage by 135 percent and provide much-needed space for faculty and students. Asbury Hall also will allow nursing enrollment to increase from the current 550 students to more than 800, and expand new programs in the College of Nursing with interactive student areas, an enlarged and enhanced clinical simulation lab, computer labs and classrooms.
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Information from: The Hattiesburg American, http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com
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