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Right before students return to the Carson-Newman University campus for the upcoming fall semester, faculty, staff and local leaders stood on campus Tuesday morning cutting the ribbon on its new health services facility, named after the couple who supported the college for several years.

The Drama and Ted Russell Center serves as the new home for CNU’s nursing program, exercise science and other health science programs.

The building is 48,000 square feet and consists of three levels. It includes simulation labs, health assessment labs, general skills labs as well as and several classrooms.

The center is one of the first projects launched with CNU’s Acorns to Oaks 5-year strategic plan, consisting of new academic programs, athletic offerings and new facilities.

At the ribbon cutting several department chairs, university deans and students who will soon walk the halls of the new building gave remarks about the historic day.

“We welcome you to a momentous day on the banks of Mossy Creek. It’s hard to believe that 25 months ago tomorrow we sat under a tent with a grass lot and broke ground on the Drama and Ted Russell Center,” Kevin Triplett, vice president for University Relation, said. “25 months later and we’re here for a wonderful day, to officially cut the ribbon on this facility.”

Lana Spence, dean of the School of Health Sciences, discussed the history of CNU’s nursing program and how far it has progressed over the years.

“As we gather to celebrate and soak in all that today represents, we cannot truly appreciate its magnitude without taking a moment to intentionally reflect on God’s guidance and provisions throughout all the yesterday’s of nursing at Carson-Newman,” Spence said.

She then flashed back 47 years to explain how the nursing program was born.

“The roots of nursing at Carson-Newman date back 47 years in 1976 shortly after Dr. Roy Dobbin arrived in Mossey Creek. Not unlike today the shortage of nurses especially those educated on the baccalaureate level was the key area of focus of East Tennessee in the late 70s. At that time the Knoxville area had only three diploma programs, two associates degree programs and one baccalaureate program,” Spence said.

“The TNA House of Delegates 1977 Resolution called for diploma programs to affiliate with degree granting higher education institutions and CNU recognized that it was uniquely situated to help meet this need.

“Dobbins began discussions with East Tennessee Baptist Hospital and plans were made to collaborate on the establishment of a department of nursing at CNU. In 1981 Dr. Katherine Gains was hired as the first chair of nursing and was the first woman division chair to sit on an academic council at the university.

Spence explained that after retiring in 1986 Gains was replaced by Dr. Dorothy Scott who was tasked with continuing to build nursing at CNU.

“Under Scott’s leadership, plans were made for additional faculty hires and acquisition of the JC Building to house the department which was later to be known as the Pedersen Nursing Building,” Spence said. “In 1986 the first class of students were admitted to the generic baccalaureate program and the RN to BSN completion students were integrated with those students completing senior level work the same semester.

“In October 1987 the TN Board of Nursing fully approved a traditional BSN program and faculty attended the final graduation of a Baptist Hospital School of Nursing class.”

Beau Christian, assistant chair of undergraduate studies in nursing, explained how nursing is evolving and how the new facility is needed to educate students with the necessary knowledge to work in today’s climate.

“This state of the art facility is not just a testament of growth and progress, it represents a commitment to embracing the changing landscape of nursing education in the 21st century,” Christian said. “In a rapidly evolving world of health care the demand for compassionate and skilled nurses has never been greater as we stand here looking forward to the future we have to recognize the field of nursing is continually shaped by the advancements in medical science, technology and patient care practices

“As we enter this new era of nursing education we must remain committed to fostering an environment of continuous learning and adaptability. The 21st century nurse must be equipped with a diverse set of skills including proficiency in cutting edge medical technologies, critical thinking and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

“Our new nursing facility has been designed with these principals in mind, creating a space that encourages innovation, collaboration and excellence. Equipped with a state of the art simulations lab, digital resources and modern classrooms this building will empower students to develop the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their careers.

Tiffany Taggart, a nursing student, who will be one of the first to utilize the new facility, discussed how the building will greatly improve her education and also the education of future students.

“The state of art simulation lab and center will help us expand our clinical knowledge in a hospital setting without the stressors of a real hospital,” she said. “This is where we will connect the classroom to the clinical setting and become more confident with what we are learning.

“The aspect of the new building will not only help us refine our skills but become an essential building block for our careers in the clinical setting. I hope that it will give every nursing student confidence and comfort knowing they are in a program that wants to invest into their future and become a strong foundation in their knowledge.

“In the end this building is not just to hold lectures in or hold simulations but help shine lights on our future.”

In closing, CNU President Charles Fowler expressed his excitement for the new building and his appreciation for Drama and Ted Russell.

“This 48,000 sq ft building is an amazing place and it has come because of the investment and hard work of so many,” he said. “I had the privilege of sitting in my office and cheer them on, but there are so many who have worked so hard and so long to get this building on our campus.”

“I am so thankful of Ted and Drama Russell, I love this couple. They embody everything we would want our students to aspire towards. I’m grateful for their generosity but I’m more grateful for their friendship and commitment to help elevate the Carson-Newman experience for our students.”