President Lester A. Lefton addresses guests at the
unveiling of the multimillion dollar Health and Sciences
Wing at Kent State Salem.

Kent State University at Salem unveiled its new multimillion dollar Health and Sciences Wing with an official ribbon cutting.

The state-of-the-art facility creates a dedicated space for nursing and radiology instruction and allows for the use of new technology. The wing includes new centralized classrooms, learning laboratories, a bookstore, a conference room and centralized offices to support students in the nursing and radiology programs.

The initial renovation made use of the campus’s underutilized gymnasium, providing an additional 16,000 sq. ft. of learning space. Kent State Salem is beginning the planning process to finish the wing’s 9,000-sq.-ft. second floor at an estimated cost of $2 million. When completed, the learning facility will include four hands-on science laboratories and additional classrooms.

“It really does take a village to build a campus,” says Kent State University President Lester A. Lefton. “It took your time, talent and treasure, to make this entire campus, not just the Health and Sciences Wing, a reality. We are very proud of this community effort.”

Original estimates for the first floor renovations total $6 million. Support was provided through state capital funds, Kent State Salem funds and the generosity of private donors.

“Kent State Salem is grateful for many donors who made this building a reality including The Salem Community Hospital, The Salem Community Foundation, The Pearce Foundation and more than 50 private individuals and families,” says Director of Advancement Matt Butts. “An investment in higher education will have numerous long-term benefits for our community.”

Kent State at Salem Advisory Board Chairman Joe Sedzmak says Salem is a generous community that has always been concerned for the future of its citizens. He expressed gratitude to everyone who had the vision to transform a gym into a state-of-the-art learning facility.

According to Public Relations Coordinator Ruth McCullagh, the new addition will increase the number of highly skilled professionals available to local employers, while at the same time enhancing the quality of health-care services in the community. “Kent State Salem and its sister campus, Kent State University at East Liverpool, have always focused on providing top-notch degrees that allow students to purse well-paying jobs locally. Combined, the two campuses offer 28 degrees, including 14 bachelor’s degrees,” says McCullagh.

Senior nursing student Krista Hawkins, who is married with three children, says “I am so fortunate to have a college campus right here in my own backyard that allows me to earn a four-year degree while keeping up with my family responsibilities. This campus is allowing me the opportunity to provide a better life for my family.”

Senior radiologic and imagining sciences student Brittany Kelly says during her experience at Kent State Salem, she was introduced to many possibilities through the Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Program. “This program enabled me to continue my education and expand my career options,” she says.

For more information about the new Health and Sciences Wing, call Kent State Salem at 330-332-0361.