Delta State University announces major upgrades to School of Nursing facilities
Cleveland, MS (08/06/2025) — Contact: Nathan Duff FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone: (662) 846-4678
Email: nduff@deltastate.edu
Delta State University announces major upgrades to School of Nursing facilities
CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State University has announced the completion of a significant expansion and renovation project at the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing, aimed at increasing student capacity and enhancing the learning environment for future healthcare professionals.
The project includes approximately 14,000 square feet of new construction-13,047 square feet of newly added space and the expansion of an existing classroom by 1,025 square feet-as well as renovation work on roughly 21,481 square feet of the existing facility. Of that, 8,263 square feet were substantially modified, with the remaining interior spaces upgraded for better functionality and appearance.
Funded through state bond appropriations, with additional support from the Delta State University Foundation and private donations through the nursing capital campaign, the project was designed to address limitations in classroom and lab space that had previously hindered enrollment growth in the nursing program.
"This much-needed expansion and renovation allows us to better meet the demand for qualified nurses in our region and beyond," said Dr. Vicki Bingham, dean of the College of Nursing, Health and Sciences. "With the new and improved facilities, we can now accommodate larger cohorts of students while enhancing the quality of instruction and clinical preparation."
The upgrades include one new classroom and the expansion of another, bringing the total number of large classrooms to three-each capable of accommodating up to 80 students. The Skills Lab has doubled its capacity, growing from five to 10 beds, while the Computer Lab now seats 90 students, up from 58. The Simulation Center has also seen major improvements, increasing from four to five fully functional beds, with the addition of three observation rooms, two debriefing rooms, and two offices.
To support advanced practice education, a new Nurse Practitioner Suite has been added, featuring five exam rooms, a waiting area for standardized patients, and a conference room. A student lounge has also been built to provide space for individual and group study, socializing, or meals.
Additionally, a new multi-purpose classroom will serve as a venue for small-group faculty-student interactions and provide a space for educational workshops and training sessions for community healthcare workers. New faculty offices have been added to accommodate the growing number of students across all nursing programs.
The impact of the expansion is already being felt. The pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program has increased admissions by 54% from 2024 to 2025. With the expanded capacity, the program can now accept up to 80 students per cohort.
For more information about the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing and its programs, visit www.deltastate.edu/nursing.
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About Delta State University: Delta State University is a four-year public institution whose nearly 2,700 students come from most U.S. states and more than 45 countries. Acknowledging its beginning as a teacher's college, the University sustains excellence in teacher education while continuing to expand offerings in traditional as well as unique fields of study. Programs such as those available through the Delta Music Institute, the Commercial Aviation Department, and the Center for Interdisciplinary Geospatial Information highlight the University's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the students it serves with world-leading, industry-acclaimed programs. Situated in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Delta State offers top-notch academic programs in business, arts, sciences, nursing, education, and more. DSU Athletics has won 14 national championships, 70 conference championships, and 37 regional titles.
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