Albany State University ribbon cutting of new Nursing and Health Sciences Simulation Center

ALBANY, Ga. – Albany State University (ASU) celebrates a significant milestone with the grand opening of its state-of-the-art Nursing and Health Sciences Simulation Center.

A large crowd gathered at Albany State University for the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new simulation center.

“So, this was actually a four year process where we involved our students, our faculty, our staff here at Albany State University and also our administrators. We got feedback from our faculty, staff and students on how the space would be utilized and what they wanted to see in the space so we could make sure that we were including everything that was needed to bring our students up to par and see what they could see in a hospital setting,” said Sarah Brinson, ASU Dean of the Darton College of Health Professions.

Students will have access to cutting-edge simulation labs equipped with low, medium, and high-fidelity mannequins, control rooms, observation spaces, work areas, and more.

Timyrius Lewis, President of the Nursing Student Organization at Albany State University, shares his experience with the new simulation center.

“Yes, I’ve used the simulation room. We use a second acute care room, it is a room where a patient had an acute bowel obstruction, a small amount of obstruction. And, us as nurses, we had to insert a NG tube. We had to give medication to control her pain, but also control our nausea and vomiting, and also for patient care. Me as a student, I’m able to gain my skills, but also for the incoming students and the current students we have here. Here in south Georgia, we are one of the top nursing programs in the state. And, as being one of the top programs, we need to be able to offer everything for the students. Having this building offers everything you can think of to make sure that you’re properly ready for the workforce upon graduation,” said Timyrius Lewis, President, ASU Nursing Student Organization.

The simulation center will produce a strong stream of nursing, health science, and medical graduates, addressing the need for professional practitioners here in Georgia.

Sonny Perdue, Chancellor of the University System of Georgia, highlights the center’s significant impact on local healthcare.

“We want students who come from graduating from high school in this area to be able to get a great education at Albany State University and stay in the area to have good jobs that are needed there for the workforce. Any economic development has to have good housing, but also the first thing they ask is what about health care? What about the hospital and who can I see? We’re training the professionals that will staff those health care facilities for the region and actually the state,” said Sonny Perdue, Chancellor, University System of Georgia.

Albany State University offers words of encouragement to both its current and future students.

“So, my advice for anybody coming into Albany State University is to come into Albany State with an open mind and ready to learn and just know that we are going to treat you like family here at Albany State,” said Brinson.

“You will feel challenged, but you have to get out of your comfort zone. You want to take care of someone one day. You want to be the best person that you can be. So, be open minded and be ready to strive for success. You will be pushed. But don’t push back, only elevate forward,” said Lewis.

De’Andra Jacobs reporting.

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