Governor JB Pritzker announced an investment of more than $105 million for the construction of a health sciences building and renovations to existing buildings at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) campus.

"The investment at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is one of many examples of how Rebuild Illinois prioritizes higher education," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Healthcare continues to be the fastest growing industry globally, so it is critical that Illinois students have the training, resources, and facilities required to be the best in their fields."

The money will support renovating and connecting two existing buildings on University Park Drive, according to a press release from the school. The work also includes constructing a new 110,000 square foot building to for the School of Pharmacy and School of Nursing. New classrooms, research laboratories, study areas, a nursing simulation laboratory, and administrative offices will be added. 

Activity will begin on site in spring 2023, with construction slated to begin in the fall. Project completion is anticipated for summer 2025.

“We are thankful to Governor Pritzker for this investment in SIUE,” said SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD in a press release. “The construction of a new health sciences complex positions SIUE to continue to meet the demand for health care education and produce exceptional health care workers for the state. The new health sciences complex demonstrates our bold commitment to innovate and lead in health care education as it will house modern classrooms, simulation laboratories, student resources and study spaces.”

“SIUE already serves its students and this community wonderfully, and this new complex will continue that tradition of excellence,” said Edwardsville Mayor, Art Risavy. “We are eager to watch as this development takes shape, and happily anticipate its opening.”