The University of South Florida reached a pivotal moment in its mission to strengthen Florida’s health care system with the “topping out” of its new USF Health College of Nursing building—a key step in expanding nursing education to combat the state’s ongoing nurse shortage.

At the celebratory event on USF’s Tampa campus, university officials, lawmakers, and health care leaders gathered to watch the final steel beam raised into place, marking the completion of the building’s structural framework. Attendees signed the beam before it was hoisted skyward, symbolizing the university’s long-term commitment to improving patient care through education.

“The University of South Florida is committed to providing solutions to the challenges facing our communities, and today we are taking an important step to address the shortage of nurses in Florida,” said USF President Rhea Law. “Thanks to the support from our state leaders, particularly Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson during his time in the Florida Legislature, and our partners at Tampa General Hospital, this project will allow us to graduate significantly more highly trained nurses to help meet a critical workforce need and deliver even greater care for patients in the Tampa Bay region.”

Slated for completion in fall 2026, the 34,000-square-foot facility will include cutting-edge clinical and simulation spaces designed to elevate nursing education. The expansion will allow USF to boost its undergraduate nursing enrollment by 500 students by 2028—a crucial step in helping to fill the growing demand for health care professionals in the state.

The $33 million project received major backing from the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022, with then-Senate President Wilton Simpson playing a key role in securing state investment. His advocacy helped ensure Florida institutions like USF could rise to meet the state’s increasing health care demands.

“We looked at where we get our critical nurses from and it’s from the universities — with USF at the top of that list,” said Simpson. “We want to make sure we are producing the most qualified nursing students anywhere in the country, and here at USF, anywhere in the state. This project is something I am very proud of, and the $33 million will clearly turn into a great investment.”

In addition to state support, Tampa General Hospital made a significant contribution in 2023, pledging $4.4 million to fund the Tampa General Hospital Nursing Simulation Center. The future lab space will give students real-world training experiences through 12 clinical examination rooms, six debriefing classrooms, and six control rooms—bridging the gap between academic preparation and practical care delivery.

“USF Health is absolutely committed to fighting Florida's nursing shortage and expanding our program,” said Dr. Charles J. Lockwood, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. “We know that a larger nursing workforce is absolutely vital if we are to continue improving the lives and health of patients across Florida. We are incredibly grateful to Gov. Ron DeSantis, Commissioner Wilton Simpson and our state legislators, and Tampa General Hospital for sharing our commitment and supporting the expansion of the college.”

The College of Nursing’s momentum not only reflects a growing student population but also its strong collaborations with local and regional health systems. As the largest producer of nursing graduates in Florida and the home of the state’s top-ranked Master of Science in Nursing program, USF plays a leading role in preparing the next generation of health care professionals.

“What began as a site of debris and dirt has since evolved into three stories of steel beams — the physical foundation of the bold next chapter for the nursing at USF,” said Usha Menon, dean of the USF Health College of Nursing. “We have the deepest gratitude to our elected officials and representatives who made all of this possible. Your investment in nursing education is already making a measurable impact, helping us strengthen the nursing workforce and improve patient care across the state of Florida.”

As the new facility rises, so too does USF’s commitment to educating and empowering the nurses who will shape the future of Florida’s health care landscape.

Originally reported by Cody Hawley in USF News.