Midwestern State University sought to bring its dispersed health science programs into a single, purpose-built home—one that elevates interdisciplinary learning, showcases hands-on training, and strengthens recruitment. The new facility unites Nursing, Respiratory Care, Radiology, Dental Hygiene, and the Simulation Center in a cohesive hub for the College of Health Sciences & Human Services.
Designed around an Inter-Professional Development (IPD) model, the building positions students to learn in close connection with other disciplines. A three-story glass atrium anchors the interior, with skills labs, active-learning classrooms, and simulation suites “on display” around its perimeter. This transparency reveals the full ecosystem of health sciences in practice and prepares students for the collaborative demands of real clinical environments. An Interprofessional Simulation Room further enhances team-based education by bringing multiple programs together for shared training scenarios.
The exterior design contemporizes MSU’s architectural heritage by refining the campus’s traditional brick palette and elevating its iconic Spanish tile roof with a custom five-color blend. A wrap-around colonnade strengthens campus walkability and frames the building’s connection to the quad, while the entry plaza introduces a sculptural water feature of four life-size bronze horses symbolically arranged in a progressive gallop. Framed by the building’s curved glass façade, this installation adds an expressive narrative element to the arrival experience and creates a memorable gateway to the Health Science Center.
