Hospital Rock Answers State's Need for More Nurses

It would be difficult to find a department at COS that is more competitive than Nursing. With many students eager to join this field, classrooms were filling up quickly. The administration needed an answer to the overcrowding.

In 2003, plans began for a building that could be used primarily for nursing and other health-related fields.  A funding request was sent to Sacramento to be evaluated by the state. Because California is in desperate need of more nurses, expanding the program with a new building was ideal. Eric Mittlestead, Dean of Facilities and Facilities Planning, oversaw the project here on campus.

When asked why nursing was chosen for expansion, Mittlestead states, “Nursing had the biggest educational need for a building in the district as interpreted by the President and Board of Trustees.”

Over the course of the next six years, the plans were set into motion. The new building, named “Hospital Rock,” saw near perfect completion, with no major drawbacks or problems in the construction.

The new building fits in well here on campus with many students and faculty pleased with its arrival. One student, Taylor Hamilton, majoring in Nursing, felt it was a good addition. Hamilton states, “Nursing is one of the bigger programs at COS and the new building offers more room and equipment for hands on experience.” The building also offers technological advances, including solar panels on the roof aimed at reducing energy costs. All in all, the building is a great new addition to COS and adds an attractive look to the heart of this campus.
 

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5 comments

Anonymous

Fri Mar 12 2010 01:13

THIS IS WHAT IS WRONG WITH AMERICA ALL YOU COLLEGE TYPES ARE WASTING ALL MY TAX DOLLARS ON BUILDING HOSPITALS OUT OF ROCKS TEA PARTY TAXED ENOUGH ALREADY

J. Read

Tue Feb 23 2010 14:47

Thanks. I never would have guessed that connection. Weaving folklore into the current fabric of a community, such as with the naming of buildings, provides continuity and an important sense of connectedness. Good job.

David Watrous

Mon Feb 22 2010 14:29

J.Read, 20 or so miles east of Visalia is the town of Three Rivers, which is nestled in the foothills to the Sierra Nevadas. Near this town, there is a large rock which is believed to have been the home of over 500 Potwisha tribe Native Americans. The rock got its name when James Everton recovered from a shotgun wound at the site in 1873. Apparently he was injured by a bear trap rigged with a shotgun.

J.Read

Wed Feb 17 2010 11:29

Superbly written, Mr. Watrous. Hope to see more of your articles. By the way, how did the building come to be called "Rock?"

Chad

Fri Feb 12 2010 02:10

I like the building but hate the red LCD news scroller on its side. It looks cheap; yet, I am sure it cost the school a lot.

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