Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) has released its campus master plan, setting out the predicted growth of the university over the next 20 years and beyond.

"As we expand both in reputation and numbers of staff and students, there will be an imminent need to expand the scope and quality of the campus buildings and environment. This master plan fulfills our strategic plan goals and will be our road map as we continue to add programs and collaborate with other institutions," said PNWU President Dr. Keith Watson.

"This plan puts us on a path to be a complete health sciences university including the College of Osteopathic Medicine. As we add new programs and colleges and forge new partnerships, the footprint of the university will have to grow to accommodate need," Dr. Watson continued.

The campus master plan is part of the university's overall strategic plan. A request for proposal was issued to five firms with ZGF Architects of Portland, Oregon creating the final draft plan. ZGF was selected based on their previous experience with plans for both medical and educational facilities.

The plan incorporates existing university facilities, most recognizably Butler-Haney Hall. The plan expands from this building, the existing Cadwell Student Center and the University Conference Center currently under construction. The design allows for rational yet flexible phased growth over many years.

Phase 1 of the draft plan would call for four new buildings; a University Center, Multi-disciplinary Medical Clinic, Student Union building and a building to house expanded educational programs and colleges.

The joint PNWU-WSU School of Pharmacy currently planned for Cadwell Student Center would move to the new University Center building by 2017 with space for 120 students. The University Center would also include classrooms, offices and student study space.

The Student Union building would be located southwest of Butler-Haney Hall and would include full food service, gym, student affairs offices and a student health center.

A building housing a potential added program would consist of 2-3 stories with 18,000 square feet of instructional space. A potential new program could also provide for the addition of a clinic including another 40,000 square feet.

The Multi-disciplinary Medical Clinic could be located northwest of the campus with 15,000 square feet and adjacent parking for patients.

Phases 2 and 3 could include multiple buildings for new colleges and expanded programs, as well as administrative offices, research spaces and expanded areas for teaching and learning.

"Where we are to date could not have been possible without the backing of our community and our supporters. This plan will allow us to continue to execute our mission to provide quality medical education to the benefit of rural and under-served populations. We are excited to grow with the Pacific Northwest community," said Dr. Watson.

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