FOR RELEASE ON: August 24, 2018 Donna Maisel Marshall Economic Development Corporation (903) 934-8035
[email protected] THE GRAND MARSHALL : ETBU SCHOOL OF NURSING Marshall EDC contributes to ETBU planned nursing school expansion Marshall, Texas: Marshall Economic Development Corporation (Marshall EDC) announced it has secured a grant agreement with East Texas Baptist University (ETBU), for partial funding of workforce training equipment at the ETBU School of Nursing. Marshall EDC has agreed to allocate $200,000 toward the purchase of training related equipment to be located in the nursing school expansion project. The estimated $2.75 million expansion project by ETBU will occupy and revitalize the Marshall Grand, formerly known as Hotel Marshall. Refurbishment plans are already underway. The expansion will allow ETBU’s nursing program to nearly double in size. Additionally, 3 new instructors will be hired. Equipment to be purchased includes training mannequins, headboards, beds, gurneys, cameras, and computer simulation equipment. Three floors of the Marshall Grand are being re-designed for simulation labs, skills labs, testing centers, classrooms, and offices for the nursing program. Marshall EDC will provide funding for the equipment as invoiced documentation is provided. Marshall EDC unanimously approved the expenditure of $200,000 on July 29, 2018. The Marshall City Commission unanimously provided final approval of the expenditure over $50,000 by Marshall EDC, during their meeting held on August 23, 2018. Dr. Blair Blackburn, President of ETBU came forward during discussion to note: “The majority of our nursing students are from the East Texas area and choose to stay within the area for work after completion of their studies.