By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Fort Hays State University is set to break ground on expanding Stroup Hall to meet the increasing demand for nurses and health professionals.
Fort Hays State University is almost doubling the size of Stroup Hall, the nursing department’s home since 1981, thanks to a $15 million allocation from the Kansas Legislature.
Jeff Briggs, dean of Fort Hays State’s College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, said annual Bachelor of Science in Nursing program admissions have increased from 60 to 80 students in the past 15 years.
"Our ability to serve more students and to create a state-of-the-art learning environment for our students has been paramount to us," Briggs said.
Construction will begin with a kickoff event on Aug. 21 and is expected to be completed in early 2027. The project will add about 30,000 square feet to the building.
FHSU Alumni Director Kim Cebula said the university aims to admit about 100 nursing students annually after the expansion.
The addition will not only support the nursing program, but also bring the Allied Health department into the same building. Renovations include upgraded simulation labs and exam rooms to improve hybrid training for students in rural Kansas.
Jenny Manry, chairwoman of the Department of Nursing at FHSU, said, "This last year, we had over 65% of our students return to western Kansas."
Stroup Hall will remain open, with most interior renovations scheduled for the summer to reduce disruptions. Updates will be posted on the Fort Hays State Department of Nursing Facebook page.
Alumni and supporters can participate via naming opportunities and donations through the Fort Hays State University Foundation.