Illinois Governor JB Pritzker joined local and state officials along with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) leadership to announce the beginning of construction on a new health science building on campus.

The $105 million building will provide groundbreaking educational opportunities in a state-of-the-art facility. The building construction, which is set to be completed by summer 2025, will connect two existing facilities and turn them into one structure.

“As we make college tuition more affordable for students, we are also investing in university facilities — ensuring these engines of success for local economies are running at their best,” said Governor JB Pritzker in a press release. “With today’s groundbreaking at SIUE, we usher in a new era for Southern Illinois and its world class university — with greater access to quality education and first-rate healthcare. Together, we are building a more prosperous future for the students, faculty and families of this region.”

The 115,000 square foot health science building will accommodate new classrooms, research laboratories, teaching laboratories, study areas, a nursing simulation laboratory, and administrative offices. Additionally, the scope of work provides for the resurfacing of two existing parking lots, connecting sidewalks, and improving site circulation around the complex.

“This groundbreaking is the culmination of an enormous commitment by so many, however it is important to recognize two important groups who are making this day possible,” said SIUE President, Dan Mahony. “First, our university leadership and our students who are committed to the programs that will be housed in this building that will produce the next generation of leaders in various fields of health care professions like nursing and pharmacy that will train here. And second our elected officials, including Governor Pritzker and members of the General Assembly, especially our SIUE legislative delegation, who worked cooperatively to provide a tremendous investment in this institution. We cannot say thank you enough.”