The University of Central Arkansas in Conway had a problem. For over a decade, their renowned college of nursing and health sciences was running out of space. With the programs at capacity, increasing student demand could not be accommodated, and growth was constrained. After years of discussion, it was time for Taggart Architects to turn their blueprints into reality and build a new facility. Dr. Nancy Reese is the Dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. “Our leadership team gathered the chairs of all the departments to reach a consensus of who needed to be represented in the new building. It was a beautiful joint effort.” What began primarily as a nursing school soon morphed into a unique interdisciplinary space for classrooms, labs, training, clinical space and offices for nursing, physical therapy, communication disorders, behavioral sciences, and community outreach.

Taggart and ImageWorks worked on the 80,000 square foot facility together. Meredith Davies Spray was the Senior Interior Designer on the project. “There were so many user groups and disciplines to program—clinical, classroom, administration, hospitality—we decided to partner with ImageWorks and Steelcase right from the beginning for both efficiency and overall horsepower. They were part of the design team from day one.”

Kevin Carter is the current Associate VP of Facilities for UCA and worked closely with ImageWorks on planning, managing and executing the interiors of the four-story building. “I have a lot of confidence in ImageWorks. They offer great product lines, like Steelcase with strong warranties. Communication between us was excellent throughout the project.” The project was at high pitch when the Covid pandemic hit. “ImageWorks was proactive in alerting us of any order entry deadlines to avoid being caught in the supply chain issues that were brewing. There were 16 semi-trucks at our door on time during construction. The delivery, installation and clean-up were seamless. It was impressive.” Meredith, who was onsite for each truck’s arrival credits contractor, Nabholz with solving a logistics puzzle in literally “paving the way” for the semis by creating a sidewalk so product could be unloaded. “We were in the middle of construction at an active campus with no extra parking. They were fabulous.”

The building was formally occupied in May 2021. It has become the centerpiece for those majoring in health sciences to learn, train, treat and interact with each other as part of their curriculum. By working alongside a variety of healthcare specialties, students learn how and when to utilize other professionals to best serve their patients. With cross training, everyone benefits.

There is a public clinic onsite that serves the community allowing students to earn their clinical hours. A community classroom and kitchen space are used for educational demonstrations as part of a coop extension. According to Dr. Reese, the positive impact on healthcare in the community cannot be overestimated. She cites a program developed by nursing faculty targeting dementia patients and their caregivers. “It began with the intention of giving those caring for dementia patients a much-needed break. Patients can be brought to our facilities and our students care for them for a few hours. It turns out it was a trifecta. Those with dementia get increased socialization, caregivers have time off and our students get the opportunity to experience elder care. Some have found their calling.”

The university is proud of the new jewel in their crown. “Now that we have the space and a clear vision, all I see are possibilities,” said Dr. Reese. “Others in higher education are watching us and curious about how we made it work. It’s truly unique. We needed a building, but what’s going on inside has become an inspiration for everyone.”
General Contractor: Nabholz