Lincoln University taking over old St. Mary’s Hospital
On Monday, leaders announced millions of state dollars will be used to help Lincoln University takeover the soon-to-be vacant site of the old St. Mary’s Health Center.
Gov. Nixon is calling for $10 million in his next budget proposal to buy and convert the facility into classrooms.
Nixon said the growth is going to let the school add more training in high-demand fields and expand its nursing program.
“Both Lincoln University and St. Mary’s Hospital have long and proud traditions in Mid-Missouri,” said Sen. Mike Kehoe of Jefferson City. “They are pillars of the community and their contributions reach across the state and beyond as they pursue excellence in education and health care.”
St. Mary’s Health Center is moving to a new campus by the end of the year. Its current facility was first built in 1905.
“With the move by St. Mary’s to a new facility at the end of this year, the existing hospital property became available for development for other uses,” Gov. Nixon said. “We can ensure that this prominent and historic location remains a vibrant part of the community while making a solid investment in higher education in Missouri. It’s a tremendous opportunity for the state and for Lincoln University.”
Kehoe added he believes the $10 million investment will be a good move for the area, in both education and health care.
“This is a smart and good investment for Missouri, one that will allow Lincoln to better train graduates to meet the highly technical demands of modern healthcare in good, high-paying and family-supporting jobs,” he said.
