Mobile County provides funding for new science building at Spring Hill College

MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. ( WKRG ) — The Mobile County Commission voted Monday morning to approve partial funding for a new Health and Science Innovation Center at Spring Hill College.

$750,000 will be put up for the center from Mobile County, and Spring Hill College is hoping the City of Mobile will provide an additional $1.5 million.

According to SHC’s website , the new state-of-the-art facility will be 57,000 square feet and will “transform” the nursing, pre-med, health sciences and natural science programs.

The new science center will increase the college’s capacity, which currently allows for 40 students to be enrolled in the nursing program, to 120 students. The pre-med and health science programs will be increased from 150 to 200 students.

Inside the science center will be nursing simulators, virtual reality equipment and anatomage tables. SHC provided renderings of the new building on their website.

“Supporting the construction of the Health and Science Innovation Center at Spring Hill College is an investment in our community’s future,” Mobile County Commission President Randall Dueitt said.

“This collaboration between Mobile County, the City of Mobile, and Spring Hill College demonstrates our shared commitment to advancing education and healthcare, which are vital to our region’s growth. We are excited to support this agreement, which will not only enhance educational opportunities but also contribute to the economic development of Mobile County.”

SHC President Dr. Mary H. Van Brunt said she is grateful for the support from the commission.

“We are deeply grateful for the support from Mobile County and what we expect to be additional funding from the City of Mobile. This funding is crucial for advancing our mission to train the next generation of healthcare professionals. With this investment, we will be able to expand our programs and address critical healthcare needs in our community and beyond.”

The science center will replace Walsh Hall, which was an outdated freshman residence hall in the heart of the campus.

The whole project is expected to cost between $37 million and $42 million.

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