BACK ON TRACK: HIGHER EDUCATION
Telegram file
Nancy Eaton, simulation coordinator for the Temple College nursing program, stands with one of the new Advanced Patient Simulators the program was able to purchase with funding from the JET program.
$124.9 million bond to fund TC expansion
UMHB expands health offerings BY ERIC E. GARCIA TELEGRAM CITY EDITOR
Temple College is planning for a major expansion after voters approved a $124.9 million bond proposal in May. The bond proposal was approved by 55 percent of voters. The bond calls for a major expansion of the school’s Health Sciences Center to address a shortage of health care workers as well as providing updates to several college buildings that are 50 to 60 years old. “If approved, the new facilities
could be completed by 2026 when Temple College will be celebrating its 100th anniversary,” TC President Christy Ponce said. “These campus advancements would represent an important milestone in Temple College’s history of being trusted for generations and building for the future.” She said the bond proposal would aid Temple College in several ways: n Improve college facilities with new technology and tools since many lack modern upgrades, and have mechanical and
32 / TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM
electrical systems that will need to be replaced soon. n Increase capacity of its health care training programs, including doubling the size of its nursing program as the school works to address worker shortages in Central Texas. n Expand education offerings through a University Center that allows TC students to earn bachelor’s or master’s degrees on campus through its university partners. n Fund a Workforce Training Center to serve as an economic driver by providing career, technology and workforce training for high-demand, high-wage ca-
reer opportunities. n Improve campus safety with better lighting and long-term growth parking. “Temple College helps create a skilled workforce that attracts new business to the area, with a positive economic impact of millions of dollars to our community,” Ponce said. College spokeswoman Ellen Davis said the new construction won’t start in the coming year. “They need to bid out the design work and then it will take a year to get the designs done,” she said. “Then they need to bid out the construction before that can start. They are looking at a June 27, 2021
