By Richy Huneycutt
When Lenoir Community College Health Sciences and Nursing students returned from spring break recently, they didn’t return to their old classrooms. Instead, they walked into the newly renovated and expanded state-of-the-art facility, the Floyd Health Sciences Center.
The Center was made possible through a generous donation from long-time College supporters Dexter and Dorothy Floyd and their son and his wife, Greg and Jennifer Floyd, and funds from the US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) and NC Connect Bond.
“The Floyd Health Sciences Center houses all the College’s Health Sciences Programs,” said Health Sciences and Nursing Dean Dr. Alexis Welch. “Before this beautiful facility, two of our newest programs, Polysomnography and Electroneurodiagnostic Technology, were in another building. We are excited to bring all our programs together and give our students the best opportunities to learn and practice their chosen health careers.”
Welch said besides classroom and office space, there are nine labs fully equipped with state-of-the-art simulators and equipment, creating an actual medical arena. “We have always been on the cutting edge of technology, and this center will allow us to continue to provide that quality instruction that simulates the work environment that our students will be working in.”
Besides Polysomnography and Electroneurodiagnostic Technology, the College offers Associate Degree Nursing, Medical Assisting, Practical Nursing, Radiography, and Surgical Technology.
A career nurse and educator, Dr. Welch has seen many changes throughout her 48 years in nursing, 33 of those years at LCC. One thing that has remained steady is the need for qualified healthcare professionals.
“The healthcare environments are desperate for all types of healthcare workers. Unfortunately, there is a shortage in every profession,” Dr. Welch said. “It is important that the College is aware of the workforce needs of our communities so we may provide excellence in education to help meet those needs. We are exploring the possibility of expanding our healthcare professional opportunities in the future by conducting research in the areas of respiratory therapy, MRI, or CT scans.”
For more information, visit LCC Health Sciences.
