Grand opening celebrates expansion, renovation of BHSU-Rapid City nursing facility

South Dakota State University, Black Hills State University and Monument Health celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated and expanded nursing facility at BHSU-Rapid City on Sept. 30. The event marked a significant milestone in a collaborative effort to strengthen health care education and workforce development in western South Dakota. 

The upgraded Black Hills State-Rapid City facility, located on the eastern edge of Rapid City, features modern classrooms, simulation labs, student support spaces and enhanced testing areas that will be used by the SDState College of Nursing. This expansion enables SDState’s nursing programs to enroll more students and provide first-class training for future health care professionals in the region. 

University and state leaders gathered to commemorate the occasion and highlight the importance of the project. 

“This facility is a direct response to the critical need for health care professionals in our state,” said Barry Dunn, president of South Dakota State University. “The new classrooms, simulation spaces and labs will allow us to enroll more students, providing greater access to high-quality education. Most importantly, this facility will serve a key role in addressing the health care workforce shortage we face across the state.” 

Steve Elliott, president of Black Hills State University, emphasized the importance of collaboration in bringing the project to life, while Nathan Lukkes and Tim Rave from the South Dakota Board of Regents and Alan Solano, vice president of Monument Health, echoed support for the center’s role in bolstering health care capacity across the region. 

“Black Hills State University is grateful for the partnership that has been established with South Dakota State University and Monument Health to meet the nursing workforce needs of western South Dakota,” Elliott said. “This addition and renovation support the collaboration between regional education and health care partners through shared recruiting, student support and academic services. The facility is crucial to the overall success of this initiative.” 

“This facility represents an investment, not only in higher education, but more importantly, in the health and well-being of our people,” said Rave, president of the South Dakota Board of Regents. “It’s about more than classrooms and labs. It’s about ensuring that families, neighbors and future generations will have access to quality health care close to home.” 

The grand opening drew local, institutional and state leaders — including representatives from the South Dakota Legislature and the Governor’s Office — who helped make the project possible through vital funding and strategic support. 

BHSU-Rapid City is positioned to serve as a cornerstone for health care education in the region, offering students the resources they need to succeed in a growing and essential field.