ATHENS, W.Va. (Hinton News) — Concord University has been allocated $7.5 million for facilities, equipment, and construction to continue work on a center for rural healthcare, as part of the appropriations minibus bill that was approved by both houses of Congress and signed by President Donald Trump this week.
Funding included in this spending package will support Phase II of the plans that will further develop the transformation of the former Wooddell Hall into a renovated space to offer expanded classroom and lab offerings for health care programs at the university.
CU President Bethany Meighen said the funding will help Concord stand strong in its mission.
“We are incredibly thankful for this appropriations support championed by Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice, funding that will allow us to expand healthcare education at Concord University. We lead by our motto, ‘Come to Learn; Go to Serve,’ and this generous funding reflects their dedication to serving our state, our students, and rural health care needs in West Virginia.” As the chairwoman of the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, Capito led crafting and negotiating of the FY26 Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act and said she was proud to be on hand when Trump signed the budget appropriations bill. “I am thrilled that with President Trump’s signing of the recent appropriations package into law, Concord University will now be receiving funding to establish a Center for Rural Healthcare Workforce Solutions,”
Capito said. “This targeted investment will help equip both students and professionals in the Concord University community with the skills needed to address critical health care workforce shortages in rural communities across our state.” Justice also heralded the funding among the financial triumphs for West Virginia in the budget allocation package. “Fighting for West Virginia is my job as a senator,” he said. “I’m excited to see funding unlocked for our friends at Concord University and can’t wait to see what blooms from the smart use of these dollars. Congrats, Concord University!” Renovations to the Center for Rural Workforce Solutions began with Phase I, thanks to $1.6 million in congressionally directed spending last year.
The nation is currently facing a shortage of healthcare providers in rural areas, and Concord’s Physician Assistant, Nursing, and Health Sciences programs are all designed to help meet the needs of rural communities, supporting the region that supports us. “Concord University has a proud legacy of educating leaders in fields that directly support the workforce needs of West Virginia and beyond,” said CU Board of Governors Chairman David Barnette. “With this congressional support, Concord can continue expanding healthcare-related programs and graduating professionals ready to serve in rural areas in need.”
