While students are celebrating the opening of the new School of Business, many are asking what will become of Partridge Hall. In her Opening Day Address, President Susan Cole ended all speculation and officially confirmed that Partridge Hall will be completely renovated to house the Graduate School and the new School of Nursing.
The surrounding fences around the former School of Business signal the impending construction, which is set to begin by the end of October. It is expected to reopen in the fall of 2016.
A mock-up of Partridge Hall when renovated into a new home for the nursing and graduate schools.
Photo courtesy of montclair.edu
Not only will these plans for Partridge offer students a newly redesigned building to study in, they will also add a new school to the university itself. A School of Nursing will join the five colleges here at Montclair State University.
This project represents a huge addition to the university. With it will a come a new founding dean as well as new programs and degrees.
In President Cole’s address, she announced that an RN to BSN degree program will be launched in fall of 2016 and, in the following year, a full BSN program will be introduced. Later, an MSN or a five-year BSN-MSN and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) will be available as well.
To prepare students studying in these fields, Cole said that they will be provided with “mediated classrooms and specialized spaces, such as a nursing skills lab, an anatomy lab, high-fidelity simulation labs outfitted with state-of-the-art computer interfaced mannequins,” and much more.
The new facility is sure to attract students from all over. Jessica Christ, a freshman Dance major, said, “I think it’s smart because that’s a popular major and career. You’re guaranteed a job. It’s a good idea!”
In addition to the School of Nursing, Partridge will also be the new home for the Graduate School, which is currently located on the second floor of College Hall. In her address, Cole described that, with this move, the Graduate School “will at long last have a real home base.” It is a prospect that many graduate students are looking forward to.
Nick Hakes, a second year MBA student and graduate assistant for the Department of Accounting, Law and Taxation said, “I think the graduate school’s move will be very beneficial for individuals trying to obtain advanced degrees.”
President Susan Cole formally announced plans for Partridge Hall during her opening day speech.
Photo courtesy of montclair.edu
The university is making huge strides with its renovation of Partridge Hall. It is an upgrade that will ultimately benefit graduate and undergraduate students alike. In addition, the School of Nursing will be the sixth school the university will have to offer its prospective students.
In a year’s time, the newly designed Partridge Hall and all its amenities will be available for students and faculty to enjoy.
