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. Not only does this provide greater access to heavily demanded workforce skills, but it will also means more students and people in the downtown area.”
Donna Maisel, CEcD, Executive Director of Marshall EDC commented: “The decision to support ETBU was driven by the Board of Director’s desire to partner and support our local institutions of higher education including Wiley College, TSTC, Panola College – Marshall, and ETBU. To that end, Marshall EDC has reached out and met with each entity of higher education and workforce training to find ways in which we may all benefit. Creating stronger institutions and educations for our citizens benefits not just the institutions, but also the current and future growth of the City of Marshall.”
The ETBU School of Nursing received its 4th consecutive 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination and its RN program was recently ranked 8th in Texas by RegisteredNursing.org. Marshall EDC looks forward to this partnership and seeing the nationally recognized program grow along with the City of Marshall.
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About East Texas Baptist University: East Texas Baptist University was founded in 1912 as the College of Marshall. ETBU is in Marshall, TX and is part of a larger metropolitan area including Longview, TX, and Shreveport, LA, being 150 miles east of Dallas on Interstate 20. ETBU provides academic excellence while integrating faith with learning. There are over 40 programs of study, with several courses offered through travel study which give opportunities to see the world while completing your education. ETBU also offers 4 areas of master’s level study in Education, Religion, Business, and Counseling.
As a Christ-centered nurse education program, the practice at ETBU School of Nursing encompasses a health care philosophy that is rich in tradition, infused with compassion, and grounded on the pursuit of evidence and innovation. The School of Nursing consistently pursues the highest quality learning outcomes to educate nurses who will leave the University and move into the community, nation, and world to minister to the needs of the patients they serve in the name of Jesus.
For additional information visit www.etbu.edu and www.etbu.edu/nursing.
About Marshall Economic Development Corporation: Marshall Economic Development Corporation, or MEDCO, is a Type A 501 (c)(3) non-profit economic development corporation and works to develop relationships with new and existing business within the statutory scope of the Development Act of 1979. MEDCO was established by Resolution of the City Commission of Marshall, Texas on April 25, 1991 to act as an instrument of the City of Marshall in the promotion and assisting of industrial and manufacturing businesses to relocate to Marshall, Texas and Harrison County and the expansion of existing local businesses, so as to eliminate unemployment and underemployment through primary jobs. For additional information visit www.marshalledc.org.