WILSON, N.C. – June 27, 2023 – Barton College received two significant gifts this past spring from regional organizations within North Carolina to support campus upgrades and infrastructure.
The Golden LEAF Foundation awarded Barton a $340,000 grant to expand the Judy Howard Hill Nursing program in response to the growing demand for nurses. These funds will be specifically allocated to expanding and upgrading the clinical simulation labs with high-fidelity stimulators and new ventilators, aiming to increase the annual number of nursing students trained. Within these labs, students will utilize cutting-edge technology to practice patient care skills, learn new techniques, and reinforce their learning from the exceptional faculty within a clinical setting. These enhancements will also enable Barton to increase the enrollment in its BSN program from 80 to its approved capacity of 120 students. The Golden LEAF Foundation, headquartered in Rocky Mount, NC, had previously awarded the College a $375,000 grant several years ago to support the education program’s partnership with Wilson County Schools.
The Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trust granted $300,000 to Barton College for the installation of a new HVAC system at the Kennedy Recreation and Intramural Center (KRIC), which first opened its doors in February 1997. This upgrade will ensure a safe, comfortable, and accessible space on campus to accommodate the growing athletic programs and the broader campus community. The College has observed a steady increase in the number of student athletes, with the inclusion of additional sports elevating the total number of intercollegiate NCAA teams to 24. Consequently, more venues are required for practices, training sessions, and meetings to maintain the competitiveness of all teams. The new HVAC system will facilitate increased utilization of KRIC for team practices, intramural activities, and various strategic campus events, including dinners, lectures, and symposiums. Moreover, the improved climate control will create a more comfortable atmosphere for Barton students and visitors, guaranteeing better preservation of the original facility for future generations. The upgraded space will also enhance the environment for student learning and engagement, as the Center hosts numerous classes each semester. The Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trust, based in Concord, NC, has now awarded Barton College its seventh grant, with a cumulative total of $1.1 million in support.
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