Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders Opens New Nursing and Science Center in Morrilton

Grand Opening of UACCM Nursing and Science Center

• 🚀 Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders attended the grand opening of the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton’s (UACCM) new Nursing and Science Center.
• 📍 This event was part of her "Capitol for a Day" initiative, highlighting communities across Arkansas and bringing state officials to local areas.
• 🏢 The new facility is a state-of-the-art, 35,000 square foot building with two stories and a skills lab designed to simulate a hospital environment.

Addressing Arkansas's Nursing Shortage

• 🩺 The center aims to help address the growing demand for nurses in Arkansas and nationwide, with experts predicting a need for nearly 300,000 new nurses by the end of the decade.
• 🎓 UACCM's nursing program boasts a 100% pass rate on nursing exams, a significant achievement that highlights the quality of education provided.
• 💰 The state invested $2 million in this project through the Aligned Nursing Training Grant Program, contributing to the facility's total $16 million cost.

Governor's Vision for Education and Workforce

• 💡 Governor Sanders emphasized her commitment to transforming education by ensuring 9th graders have a path to prosperity through workforce training, college, or military service.
• 🤝 The project is a testament to great leadership and partnership between the state, local government, banks, hospitals, and businesses.

Inspiring Graduate Success Story

• 🌟 The governor shared the story of Linda, a UACCM graduate who, with an eighth-grade education and facing significant personal challenges, earned a doctorate in nursing.
• 💖 Linda's journey exemplifies the power of education and community support, highlighting how a community can rally to prioritize its people's success.
• ✅ The event celebrated the students, faculty, and community members who contribute to UACCM's mission and the state's educational advancement.