University of St. Thomas

Morrison Family College of Health and Nursing Simulation

A view of a nursing simulation lab with numerous patient mannequins.
A Morrison School of Health corridor has windows into the nursing simulation lab and a conference room.
Students talk in the branded Morrison School of Health lower level lounge.
A student conference room with views into the adjacent classroom.
An active learning classroom in the Morrison School of Health.
Students collaborate in a classroom with views into the renovated stairwell and to the outdoors.
Exterior entry of the Morrison Family School of Health building.

University of St. Thomas

Morrison Family College of Health and Nursing Simulation

Saint Paul, Minn.

BWBR was hired by the University of St. Thomas (UST) to provide overall space programming for the new College of Health, including a new nursing program and a conceptual design for a new building to house the entire College. The College of Health is intentional about its fresh approach to health care and attracting a more diverse generation of professionals into the health care industry. With a goal of treating the whole person mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually, students learn to treat a patient’s health conditions as well as respect various traditions and cultures.

After reviewing current needs, but a new building site and full funding not yet available, UST decided to pursue Phase 1 of the overall master plan by renovating the existing Summit Building. This first space for UST nursing students features a multi-million-dollar simulation lab with state-of-the-art robotic patient mannequins and control rooms. Additional specialty program spaces include a birthing room, pediatric intensive care room, hospice suite, and active learning classrooms, among others. The building also includes space for the School of Social Work.

Size: 27,000 sq. ft.

Components: Four simulation labs; a 10-bed skills lab; a variety of student study spaces; 32 offices; 14 workstations; five classrooms; new nursing school reception area that serves as a front door for the department; necessary building systems and exterior upgrades

Completion: 2022