On Sept. 13, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house signified the official move of the Palm Beach Student Educational Center to its new location at 11501 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens.
The new four–story, 75,000–square–foot facility features 26 state–of–the–art classrooms equipped with video conferencing capabilities, computer labs, and wireless Internet connection. It has a student lounge, fitness area, and will be available to host conferences and community events.
George Dungee, director of the Palm Beach Student Educational Center, said, “We moved because we outgrew where we were. We hit a critical mass. Our students are just elated. There hasn’t been a day since I’ve been here that students haven’t said ‘thank you.’”
Dungee said the new site is updated and its proximity to Interstate-95 provides more visibility for the school.
More than 1,400 students are enrolled at the center, which offers bachelor, master, doctoral and professional degree programs in business, education, mental health counseling, school psychology and pharmacy.
Geraldine Baptiste, nursing transfer student, said, “They just did such an outstanding job with the building. It’s so professional and accommodating.”
In January 2012, two new nursing programs, a family nurse practitioner master’s program and a doctorate of nursing practice, will be added to the site’s progam offerings.
Dungee said the second floor of the new facility will be dedicated to the operation of these programs. He said the old facility would not have been able to accommodate the new programs.
Juliana Espinal, sophomore biology major, said, “I love that we (NSU) are getting more graduate programs, especially in nursing. I feel like I have more options and the new facility looks amazing. I can’t wait to check it out.”
Dungee also said that there are plans to tie in the bio–technical programs offered by the SEC with companies that focus on research and development within Palm Beach’s health corridor.
For additional information about the Palm Beach Center, visit www.nova.edu/palmbeach.
