The new Michael D. Rankin MD Health Education Building at the University of Kentucky is set to open in late 2026 or early 2027. This building is expected to significantly boost enrollment in health-related programs. According to Robert S. DiPaola, the university’s co-executive vice president for health affairs, the new facilities aim to increase student numbers in various colleges:
- College of Health Sciences: up by 30%
- College of Medicine: up by 44%
- College of Nursing: nearly double
- College of Public Health: about 50%
This expansion will bring the colleges of Public Health, Nursing, Medicine, and Health Sciences under one roof on South Campus. DiPaola emphasizes the importance of this consolidation. Having these programs close to the cancer center and hospitals will create a medical district that fosters better training and hands-on experience for students.
In 2025, over 7,600 students were enrolled in health programs at UK, reflecting a growing interest in healthcare careers. “This building is crucial because it allows our students to learn and work in the same environment where they’ll apply their skills,” DiPaola explained.
The Health Education Building will include innovative features like smaller classrooms designed for group work, multidisciplinary conference rooms, relaxation areas, and simulated classrooms for practical training. Such facilities are intended to enhance learning and better prepare students for real-world healthcare challenges.
A recent survey published by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing reported a nationwide nursing shortage. In response, DiPaola mentioned that UK aims to virtually double its annual nursing graduates. This increase is vital to meet the rising demand for healthcare workers in Kentucky and beyond.
The construction of this building is aligned with efforts to provide quality healthcare training within the state. The Albert B. Chandler Hospital will also undergo renovations, expanding its capacity to serve the community better.
Beyond the tangible improvements, the Health Education Building represents a commitment to supporting rural healthcare. DiPaola highlighted the success of the rural Physician Leadership Program in Morehead, noting that graduates from this program are likely to stay in rural areas for their residency and practice.
This strategic consolidation and expansion reflect a significant shift toward a more integrated approach to health education, focused on improving public health outcomes in Kentucky.
