Regents approve project to address rural workforce shortage

August 15, 2022

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents Thursday (Aug. 11) approved the program statement and construction budget for phase two of the UNK-UNMC Rural Health Education Building on the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus.

Construction of the $85 million facility is expected to begin in September 2023, with projected completion in July 2025. Thanks to approval from the legislature, the proposed facility received $50 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding for capital construction, plus $10 million for iEXCEL technology startup costs. Further, the legislature has committed the necessary sustainable operational funds to support faculty and staff. The university has committed to raising $35 million in private funding for construction.

“Adding a second health science-focused building at UNK creates opportunities for students who want to both pursue – and practice – their health careers closer to home, which help us build a stronger rural workforce, increase access to rural care and help communities thrive,” said Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center. “In short, it will transform lives for generations.”

Rural Health Education Building

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