University of Tennessee Knoxville extends partnership with University of Tennessee Medical Center

The University of Tennessee Knoxville and the University of Tennessee Medical Center have continued their partnership. The University of Tennessee Medical Center has sponsored the construction of a new building for the College of Nursing, which has been named the UT Medical Nursing Building. Construction for the new building began in 2022 and is located in the footprint of the old nursing building. UT Medical Center is also sponsoring scholarships and participating in initiatives to help support the university’s nursing students and the College of Nursing.

According to an article on the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s website, Dr. Sandy Leake, who serves as the senior vice president and chief nursing officer of UT Medical, explained why the healthcare organization is committed to the university’s nursing programs. Leake is quoted as saying, “Our partnership with the College of Nursing has helped more baccalaureate-prepared nurses enter the workforce, and that number will continue to grow over the years. UT Medical is proud to support Vol nursing students as they pursue their education, refine their skills and prepare to lead the future of the nursing profession. Education is the foundation for developing tomorrow’s leaders, and we are honored to walk alongside these students through programs such as the Accelerated BSN and BSN Scholars programs, and the RN-to-BSN Scholars program this investment will create.”

The new UT Medical Nursing Building, which is located within the footprint of the old nursing building at the corner of Volunteer Boulevard and Peyton Manning Pass, is three times as large as the demolished building. It is 117,000 square feet and features classrooms, an auditorium, skills labs, simulation labs, a wet lab for microbiome scientists, collaborative spaces, outdoor learning spaces, and dining options. The new building has space to accommodate the university’s growing student population, with the university indicating that its enrollment is up 24.5% over the past five years.

Brian Broyles, who serves as the University of Tennessee’s senior vice chancellor for advancement, said, “We are deeply grateful to UT Medical for their generosity and continued partnership. This investment will not only transform the College of Nursing but also open doors for countless students through scholarships — ensuring that talented students can pursue their calling. The impact will be felt for generations as our graduates enter the workforce prepared to provide exceptional care, strengthen our health systems and improve lives across Tennessee and beyond.”

In addition to the financial support for the new nursing building, the University of Tennessee Medical Center has been involved in initiatives to help strengthen the university’s nursing programs and the region’s nursing workforce. One such initiative is the UTMC Nurse Scholars program, which is planned to be expanded upon in the near future. Its initial phase provided scholarships to students who are enrolled in the accelerated BSN program. It plans to expand to support students in the RN-to-BSN program, as well. Another of the initiatives supported by UTMC is the BSN Scholars program, which provides scholarships to students in the traditional bachelor of science in nursing program.

Speaking of the invaluable partnership between UTMC and the university, Victoria Niederhauser, dean of the College of Nursing, said, “This support represents an investment not just in our students but in the health and well-being of people across Tennessee and the nation. By combining world-class facilities with expanded scholarships and partnerships, we are ensuring that more students have the opportunity to pursue their calling in nursing while addressing critical workforce needs.”

Dr. Keith Gray, the president and chief executive officer of UT Medical Center, echoed these sentiments, saying, “As the region’s academic health system, we are committed to patient-centered care, advancing medical education and research, and improving the overall health of our communities. Nursing is central to this mission, and our expanded partnership with the College of Nursing invests in the next generation of caregivers while ensuring the strength and sustainability of our care delivery model for years to come.”

For more information about The University of Tennessee Knoxville, visit the school’s website.