Lincoln University Opens Expanded Nursing Education Spaces Within $45.5 Million Health and Security Sciences Institute

Front row, from left: Dr. Tiffany Cassady, BSN/MSN program faculty; Geena Chen, simulation laboratory instructor; Michelle Harper, academic coach; Ellen Kliethermes, BSN program faculty; Cheryle Kelly, BSN program faculty; John B. Moseley, LU president; Dr. Jennifer McCord, head of the School of Nursing; Sally Lane, BSN program faculty; Dr. Lorna Deardeuff, BSN/MSN program faculty; Grace Feutz, retired simulation coordinator; and Melinda Dettenwanger, BSN program coordinator. Back row, from left: Leana Mahaney, nurse mentor, and Ashle Graham, BSN program faculty, celebrate the opening of Lincoln University of Missouri's Health and Security Sciences Institute on Aug. 4, 2026.

Preparing more highly skilled nurses to meet Missouri's growing health care workforce needs begins with providing students with opportunities to learn in environments that reflect real-world patient care. That vision became reality Tuesday, Aug. 4, as Lincoln University of Missouri officially opened its expanded School of Nursing spaces within the Health and Security Sciences Institute (HSSI).

From left, Leana Mahaney, nurse mentor; Geena Chen, simulation laboratory instructor; Melinda Dettenwanger, BSN program coordinator; Dr. Tiffany Cassady, BSN/MSN program faculty; Cheryle Kelly, BSN program faculty; Dr. Jennifer McCord, School of Nursing department head; Ellen Kliethermes, BSN program faculty; and Dr. Lorna Deardeuff, BSN/MSN program faculty.

The $45.5 million, 40,000-square-foot HSSI facility expands opportunities for students in the University’s School of Nursing while bringing together health care education, public safety training and emergency management programs through a collaborative, hybrid-use facility. The institute houses expanded nursing classrooms, simulation laboratories, faculty spaces and student support areas designed to prepare future health care professionals through immersive, real-world training experiences.

The new nursing simulation laboratory inside Lincoln University of Missouri's Health and Security Sciences Institute provides students with a realistic clinical environment to develop hands-on skills and prepare for patient care.

The renovated and expanded nursing spaces provide students with an environment that mirrors the clinical settings they will encounter as health care professionals. From hospital-inspired hallways to advanced simulation technology, the facility was designed to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and patient care.

A patient simulator is displayed in one of the patient care stations inside the nursing simulation laboratory at Lincoln University's Health and Security Sciences Institute. 

The updated School of Nursing spaces include:

• Advanced Nursing Simulation Labs: High-tech simulation spaces that allow students to practice realistic, interactive clinical scenarios in a safe learning environment.
• Dedicated simulation suite: A specialized area featuring three patient rooms, a bathroom setup and a lift system to support training in patient transfers and mobility care.
• Simulation debriefing room: A dedicated space where students and faculty can review scenarios, discuss clinical decision-making and strengthen critical thinking skills.
• Expanded instructional spaces: Five updated classrooms, a six-bed health assessment laboratory, a six-bed practice laboratory and a three-bed recording practice laboratory to support a variety of nursing education needs.
• Modern faculty offices: Updated workspaces that promote collaboration and support the School of Nursing’s growing programs.

A view of the new nursing simulation laboratory inside Lincoln University's Health and Security Sciences Institute.

Beyond instructional areas, HSSI also provides new and improved spaces focused on student success and well-being. The facility includes a resource area for academic coaching and nursing mentorship, student and faculty lounges with kitchenettes and refreshment stations, collaborative study areas with flexible seating, expanded storage for equipment and supplies, and an outdoor patio designed to provide a space for reflection and self-care.

Dr. Jennifer McCord, department head of the School of Nursing, said the renovated spaces represent a significant step forward in preparing nursing students to meet the evolving needs of the health care workforce.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe delivers remarks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Lincoln University of Missouri's new Health and Security Sciences Institute on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

“The opening of these spaces marks an exciting new chapter for Lincoln University’s School of Nursing,” McCord said. “These innovative learning environments allow our students to develop confidence, strengthen their clinical skills and experience the realities of patient care before they enter the workforce. By investing in simulation, collaboration and student support, we are preparing nurses who are not only highly skilled, but also compassionate leaders ready to serve their communities.”

Lincoln University's new $45.5 million Health and Security Sciences Institute brings together education, workforce development and emergency response in one hybrid-use facility, expanding opportunities for students while strengthening partnerships that serve communities throughout Missouri.

By integrating nursing education with public safety and emergency preparedness programs, the HSSI strengthens Lincoln University’s commitment to addressing critical workforce needs across Missouri and beyond.

Click here to view more photos from the ribbon-cutting and open house.