GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY HELD FOR BHSU-RC ADDITION AND RENOVATION

Black Hills State University (BHSU) held a groundbreaking ceremony for the addition and renovation of the Black Hills State University-Rapid City (BHSU-RC) facility Friday, March 8. This expansion will house the West River Health Science Center (WRHSC), a collaborative effort between BHSU, South Dakota State University (SDSU), Monument Health, and the West River Area Health Education Center, which aims to address the critical need for nurses in the region.  

"This groundbreaking ceremony is a result of this partnership, with contributions from Monument Health, along with state and federal funding, and South Dakota Board of Regents support during the 2022 and 2023 legislative sessions,” said BHSU Vice President for University Advancement Steve Meeker, who served as master of ceremonies at the groundbreaking. 

The new facility will allow for a size increase of the nursing cohort and make all nursing education available at the BHSU-RC site. It will also provide additional classroom space, support facilities, and specialized simulation and skills laboratories. The Associate Degree in Applied Health Sciences offered by BHSU will continue to provide students with the necessary education for admission into SDSU’s Rapid City Standard Bachelor of Nursing program. 

The project aligns with the goals outlined in the strategic plan for the West River Health Science Center. These goals include recruiting the nursing pipeline, supporting the center's initiative, enrolling and retaining students, and promoting and highlighting the brand. 

“This addition and renovation support our comprehensive strategy to reach the enrollment target in the nursing program and help address the nursing shortage in South Dakota," said President Steve Elliott of BHSU who spoke at the event. "This facility is crucial to the overall success of this initiative." 

"The addition and renovation of the West River Health Science Center will be game-changing and will fundamentally enhance how we recruit, teach, and mentor students through bringing all of those areas of student experience under one roof,” said SDSU President Barry Dunn.  

Other speakers at the groundbreaking included Nathan Lukkes, Executive Director and CEO of the South Dakota Board of Regents, South Dakota Regent Jeff Partridge, and Paulette Davidson, Monument Health President and CEO. 

Construction on the facility is projected to be completed next year with classes starting in the new addition by Fall 2025. 

More photos and videos of the groundbreaking event can be viewed HERE.