LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Baptist Health College Little Rock (BHCLR) has officially kicked off a major, multi-phase, $25 million campus renovation, with financial support from Baptist Health Foundation donors.
To date, Baptist Health Foundation has raised almost $7 million toward the project, thanks to significant contributions from the Charles A. Frueauff Foundation, Roy & Christine Sturgis Charitable Trust, Windgate Charitable Foundation, Stella Boyle Smith Trust, C. Louis and Mary C. Cabe Foundation, Arvest Foundation, Trinity Foundation and many individuals.
“We thank those who have given so generously to this important project,” said Janet K. Marshall, chief development officer of Baptist Health Foundation. “Together, a better future for patient care is being built to serve others for future generations.”
To mark the start of construction, several representatives recently held a ceremonial wall-breaking at BHCLR.
Attendees included Troy Wells, President and CEO of Baptist Health; Brent Beaulieu, Chief Financial Officer; Doug Weeks, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Innovation; Mike Perkins, President of Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock; Dr. Karen James, Interim President of BHCLR; and Dr. Jamie Clark, Dean of Business Affairs and College Operations at BHCLR. Beaulieu additionally serves as Treasurer on the Foundation Board of Trustees. Also present were Janet K. Marshall, Chief Development Officer of Baptist Health Foundation; Kim Pruitt, Board of Trustees President; and Greg Hatcher, Chair of the BHCLR Renovation Project Committee.
“This renovation is an investment in the future of health care across Arkansas,” said Troy Wells, president and CEO of Baptist Health. “By building a state-of-the-art simulation center and upgrading our learning environments, we are ensuring that the next generation of health care professionals from Baptist Health College Little Rock receive the hands-on, highly-trained education they need to deliver the best patient care for decades.”
Since 1921, BHCLR has been educating future leaders in health care. With 10 programs of study including nursing and allied health, the college offers new pathways, programs and degrees to expand academic offerings.
Going into spring 2027, the college will begin its first baccalaureate degree and fully online program, the RN-to-BSN. To provide more pathways for qualified individuals pursuing nursing education, the Nursing Accelerated program introduced a nights and weekends track tailored for those who prefer an in-person, on-campus environment.
Additionally, the school’s radiography program has transitioned from a certificate to an associate degree program. In the last year, Baptist Health College Little Rock graduated nearly 500 students. The average job placement rate across all programs was over 90%, placing students directly into the health care workforce.
BHCLR’s comprehensive renovation will include building-wide improvements at the campus, located off Colonel Glenn and Bowman roads. The project will roll out in phases over the next two to three years.
The first phase of the project will include a new simulation center, lecture halls, chapel, testing center and student services center. These improvements are expected to be completed, once construction has begun, in about a year and a half.
“This project is an affirmation of our unwavering commitment to the future of our students and the health of our community,” said Mike Perkins, president of Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock. “We are building a world-class center where the next generation of health care professionals will be trained with the skills and compassion needed to serve Arkansas for years to come.”
Lewis Architects Engineers are providing architectural design services and CDI is serving as the general contractor.
For more information about Baptist Health College Little Rock and to make a donation to the project, visit bhclr.edu.
About Baptist Health
Baptist Health, Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization, has provided high-quality care rooted in Christian compassion and innovation for over a century. As the state’s largest private not-for-profit health system, Baptist Health is here For You. For Life. With more than 300 points of access, our extensive network includes 14 hospitals, over 75 primary and specialty care clinics, urgent care centers, a senior living community, and educational programs, including a college for nursing and allied health studies and a graduate residency program. Supported by approximately 12,000 employees and renowned physicians, we deliver groundbreaking treatments and impactful community outreach programs. Baptist Health is proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work and is recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Admired Workplaces. To learn more, visit Baptist-Health.org, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app. Stay connected with us on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.