Carroll University’s Exciting New $52M Construction Plan: 5-Year Vision for Campus Transformation

Carroll University is gearing up for a significant growth phase this school year with a facilities plan worth over $50 million for its Waukesha campus. The university aims to enhance its offerings while accommodating a record number of students.

Starting this month, Carroll will begin the process of selling or repurposing underused buildings. This initiative will last until July 2030. “This ambitious plan will not only reshape our campus — it will shape the future of our region,” said President Cindy Gnadinger. The university has proudly served the community for 180 years, and this vision promises to carry that legacy forward.

Unlike many other colleges facing enrollment challenges, Carroll University has maintained steady growth. In the 2024-25 school year, enrollment reached 3,138 students, with 2,444 of them being full-time undergraduates, according to Carroll’s website.

The university continues to invest in its facilities, such as when it acquired two buildings from the Waukesha School District in 2022 — Randall STEM Elementary School and the Lindholm Administrative Building. These purchases are part of the university’s strategy to expand academic and student services.

A key feature of the $52.2 million plan includes renovating the Randall School to house the College of Health Sciences. This update will bolster the university’s Therapeutic Abilities Clinic and Rehabilitative Exercise Clinic, both of which offer no-cost care to community members while supervised by students.

With health care jobs growing rapidly, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts an increase in registered nurses from 3.1 million in 2022 to 3.3 million by 2032. Each year, there are expected to be around 193,100 job openings for RNs. Programs at Carroll are well-positioned to meet this demand. “As demand for health care workers surges, Carroll is stepping up,” said Tom Pahnke, dean of the College of Health Sciences. The renovations will help train more professionals while supporting community health needs.

The upcoming facilities plan also includes a new $32 million building for the Sullivan School of Business, Engineering, and Technology. Designed as a hub for various disciplines, it will connect fields like business, computer science, aviation, and engineering. Tim Sullivan, who leads the school, emphasized that companies increasingly seek graduates with critical thinking and leadership skills, not just technical expertise.

Finally, the Vale Male Field House will undergo expansion and renovation. Originally built for 300 athletes, it will soon have more space for competitions and training, along with an expanded hall of fame. “This transformation will create a modern, inclusive environment for wellness and athletic excellence,” Gnadinger said.

In summary, Carroll University is on an exciting path of growth and transformation, aiming to meet the needs of students and the wider community. This ambitious vision not only enhances its campus but also reflects a commitment to future generations.

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