AdventHealth University is embarking on the largest expansion project in its 32-year history.
A multi-phase expansion and renovation, begun in June 2024, will allow for more classroom space, leading-edge simulation equipment and technology, and new student spaces.
“As AdventHealth University’s student enrollment continues to grow, we want to provide intentional spaces that promote learning, professional excellence, and wellbeing,” said C. Josef Ghosn, EdD, FACHE, President of AdventHealth University. “This expansion and renovation provide students additional tools, modalities, and opportunities to become proficient in whole-person care.”
The expansion includes:
- Demolition of the vacant AdventHealth Center for Behavioral Health and construction of the multi-story AHU Simulation Center, including two immersive-learning lecture halls, dedicated operating room and birthing suites, spacious nursing skills lab, state-of-the-art manikins with life-like features and real-world medical issues.
- Creation of the AHU Welcome Center, housing non-academic departments, such as Financial Aid, Marketing, and Business.
- Renovations in the current Campus Center Building to remodel cafeteria, create more classrooms, and generate more student space.
Construction is expected to be complete by December 2025.
“These new learning spaces will facilitate low-, mid-, or high-fidelity simulation for all students, particularly nursing students, allowing them to apply their lessons in hands-on learning environments,” said Arlene Johnson, PhD, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, RN, Interim Dean of Nursing at AdventHealth University. “We are especially excited about implementing the latest virtual and augmented reality technology that allows students to practice in a safe environment, gain confidence, and excel.”
As the nation faces a shortage of nurses and physicians, AdventHealth University is striving for ambitious goals to nearly double its student enrollment by 2026 and help stem the shortfall of health care professionals.
The university’s last campus addition was construction of its three-story Graduate Building in 2014. The current Orlando campus is comprised of the three-story Campus Center Building and Graduate Building and two-story Nursing Building and General Education Building, all containing a mixture of classrooms, lab space and administrative offices.
AdventHealth University offers 24 health care degrees, from associate to doctoral level, as well as dozens of workforce development certificates. Its location in Denver is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2024, and construction is under way on a Tampa location that will open in January 2025.
