ATLANTA – House Majority Leader Jon Burns (R-Newington) recently attended a groundbreaking ceremony for Armstrong State University’s new building that will house the Waters College of Health Professions in Savannah. Leader Burns was one of more than 300 community leaders, government officials, faculty, staff and students to attend the ceremony on August, 29, 2017.
“The new Waters College of Health Professions facility will be a tremendous asset in supporting our young people who choose careers in health care,” said Leader Burns. “This building represents yet another worthwhile state investment in alleviating our health care workforce shortage and will provide students with the resources needed to excel in various health professions. Thanks to the generous $2 million donation made by Don and Cindy Waters, this new facility will allow students to have a lasting, positive impact on all Georgians, and it was an honor to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for this new, cutting edge educational facility in Savannah.”
Georgia’s Fiscal Year 2018 budget allocated $22 million in funding to construct the new health professions facility on Armstrong State University’s campus and to renovate Ashmore Hall. The new 63,000-square-foot building, which is expected to open spring 2019, will feature a state-of-the-art Simulation Suite, as well as hands-on, team-oriented learning opportunities.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Nathan Deal, University System of Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley, Regent Don L. Waters, Armstrong Interim President Jennifer L. Frum, Ph.D. and Georgia Southern President Jaimie L. Hebert, Ph.D. addressed the audience.
The Waters College of Health Professions identifies with the new Georgia Southern University’s mission to drive economic development in the coastal Georgia region by supporting collaborative efforts and technological advancements in a variety of fields of study.
Armstrong State University graduates more undergraduate health professionals than any university in Georgia, offering a range of academic programs that prepare students for careers in nursing, public health, health administration and the allied health professions.
*Editor’s note: a photo from the groundbreaking ceremony has been attached to this email for your convenience.
Representative Jon Burns represents the citizens of District 159, which includes portions of Bulloch, Effingham, and Screven counties. He was first elected into the House of Representatives in 2006 and currently serves as the Majority Leader in the Georgia House of Representatives. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Economic Development & Tourism, Ethics, Games, Fish, & Parks, Rules, and Transportation committees.
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