Nursing College Continues to Expand in Charleston

CHARLESTON, IL (08/29/2012)(readMedia)-- Lakeview College of Nursing recently began the second phase of construction at their Charleston, IL, campus.

Ground demolition has occurred on the west side of the college's facility, located at 580 W. Lincoln Ave., in order to level out the surface and begin building a new classroom, resource room and the beginning of a new nursing skills lab.

Lakeview CEO Dick Shockey said the College's enrollment has increased steadily over the years and that has led to a need for increased space. "Our growing enrollment prompted us to seek out a grant for a building expansion at the Charleston Campus. When this phase is complete we will be able to schedule classes more conveniently and offer students and faculty the use of an on-site resource room," explained Shockey.

This first phase of this building project was completed last summer. It focused on building new restrooms, establishing a new main office, entrance and lobby, expanding an existing classroom to include a computer lab, and purchasing and re-surfacing parking, according to Shockey.

The next and last phase of this project will focus on finishing the interior of the skills lab as well as the reconfiguration of the current skills lab into additional faculty offices. "The timing of this phase will largely depend upon when the remainder of the grant money is received," added Shockey.

The College is expecting an additional grant payment in 2013. To date, the College has received about $766,000 of the $1.2 million that is expected from the State of Illinois as part of a grant through the Illinois Board of Higher Education in cooperation with the Illinois Independent Colleges Capital Improvement (ICCAP). The College has contributed $600,000 toward this project, which has a total estimated cost of $1.6 million, according to Shockey.

Lakeview College of Nursing offers a bachelor of science in nursing degree. This specialized college has had a presence in the Charleston Area since 2001 through its cooperative agreement with Eastern Illinois University.

* Special Note to Media - - Photo opportunities available throughout the construction process.