Rapid enrollment growth in Bellarmine University’s health science programs has led the school to develop a new facility on nearby Bishop Lane.
The university's
respiratory therapy and
exercise science programs have new, modern space in a 15,400-square-foot building at 1961 Bishop Lane, just two miles from the main campus.
“We are excited to occupy such a beautiful space that helps us fulfill our Vision 2020 growth goals,” said Dr. Doris Tegart, Bellarmine’s provost. “This is definitely a tribute to the strategic growth strategies from the leadership, students and faculty in the
Donna and Allan Lansing School of Nursing and Health Sciences.”
Bellarmine’s health science programs have 290 full-time students, a growth of 50 percent since 2008. Another 447 students are studying nursing in the Lansing School.
The new space on Bishop Lane has been completely renovated to offer state-of-the-art classroom and lab space, as well as a student lounge. It is connected to the main Bellarmine campus by a shuttle service that runs throughout the day.
The building was renovated for Bellarmine's use by the Flynn Group, and the university is leasing the property from a Flynn Group affiliate.
Hydrostatic weighing tank |
Dr. Kent Brown, chairman of Bellarmine's exercise science program, says the new space provides a great atmosphere for learning.
"The best part is the new 'super sized' Bellarmine University Movement Sciences and Human Performance Laboratory," he said. "This new lab gives us the opportunity to perform student learning and research-related activities we never had room to do before." The lab features a hydrostatic weighing tank, weight equipment and an indoor track.
Dr. Christy Kane, chair of the respiratory therapy program, said: "The respiratory therapy laboratory in the Flynn Building is a well-designed space that houses fully updated equipment for breathing simulation, pulmonary function, and pulmonary support and monitoring. This facility is on full par with advanced training baccalaureate programs nationally, and our students and the patients they care for in the future will benefit."