ST. PAUL, Minn., June 18, 2015 – A new Saint Paul College Health and Science Alliance Center will be constructed on the campus of Saint Paul College following its inclusion in the bonding bill passed by the Minnesota Legislature as part of the recently completed special session. The $19 million building project is one of four projects funded for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system and a top priority of the MnSCU Board of Trustees.
“I would like to thank the Governor and the legislature for their passionate support for this project and for coming to see the impact it can have first-hand. The Health and Science Alliance Center will promote student success and achievement at the College by advancing the quality of education and providing state-of-the-art learning opportunities,” said Dr. Rassoul Dastmozd, President/CEO, Saint Paul College. “This construction project is aligned with the mission, vision, and strategic plan of the College by providing our students with top notch facilities for training, and providing our employers with skilled and capable graduates.”
The Health and Science Alliance Center will provide critical space primarily for the College’s STEM and health career programs, which provide the foundation for a wide range of high-demand careers. Saint Paul College currently has room utilization rates ranging from 98%-130% for STEM related classrooms and labs. The new space will reduce student wait lists caused by the shortage of STEM space.
The Saint Paul College Health and Science Alliance Center will include four science laboratories, two STEM/health flexible classrooms, two health science simulation labs, three business and industry classrooms, and three general classrooms for a total of approximately 45,000 new and renovated square feet.
The building will provide instructional and programmatic space for a number of academic programs including the two-year Associate of Science Degree Program, a two-year Respiratory Therapist AAS Degree Program, a Practical Nursing Diploma program, an Associate Degree program in Nursing, and a Phlebotomy Technician Certificate program. It will also allow Saint Paul College to offer new programming toward degrees such as physical therapy assistants, medical assistants, anesthesia technicians, and surgical technicians, creating enhanced pathways to baccalaureate attainment.
Between now and August 2015, the College will validate the construction plans, blueprints, contracts and timelines, anticipating completing the project in 18 months.
