UT Martin Parsons Center Celebrates $2.25 Million Expansion
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PARSONS, Tenn.–The University of Tennessee at Martin in Decatur County will soon get a $2.25 million expansion. “I’ve been here for two and half years and I’m hoping to start the BSN program in the fall of 2014,” said Jessica Brownyard, a student. Brownyard chose the UT Martin-Parsons Center because it is convenient in location and cost. “My junior year of high school my parents got a divorce and so I had to start getting my own job, making my own money,” she said. The UT Martin-Parsons Center hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Monday to celebrate the new 10,000 square foot expansion. The space will house the nursing program. “I’m excited about all the toys we’re gonna have,” said Brownyard. The West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation, state funding, and private donations will cover the cost of the project. “It’s going to have an additional six classrooms, a skills lab, a sim lab, a lecture hall,” said Dr. Kelli Deere, UT Martin-Parsons Center Director. The expansion allows 30 students annually to earn a nursing degree. “That’s what we’re about in Tennessee is providing more opportunity and more access to higher education, so that we can fill the workforce needs of tomorrow,” said Governor Bill Haslam. Brownyard looks forward to learning in the new facility. “I wasn’t expecting an expansion,” she said. “I always thought I’d end up having to go off somewhere, but now that I get to stay I’m really excited.” The expansion should be finished next summer.
