Woman’s Hospital Invests in the Baton Rouge Center

Southeastern’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences has received a $150,000 donation from Woman’s Hospital to name the Obstetrics Maternal/Newborn Simulation Lab as part of the upcoming renovations to the School of Nursing’s Baton Rouge Center. This gift will support Southeastern’s mission to prepare highly skilled, compassionate nurses and address Louisiana’s growing healthcare workforce shortage.

The $15.5 million Baton Rouge facility renovation will be funded through State of Louisiana capital outlay dollars and private contributions. Planned upgrades include modern classrooms, an enhanced auditorium with distance learning capabilities, expanded simulation labs, a telehealth/teleconference patient room, and flexible learning spaces.

Woman’s Hospital President and CEO Rene J. Ragas noted that over 200 Southeastern-trained nurses currently work at Woman’s Hospital, making the partnership vital for both institutions.

Dean Ann K. Carruth emphasized that the new simulation lab will give students realistic, hands-on training in a safe environment, aligning higher education and industry to strengthen Louisiana’s healthcare economy. Southeastern President William S. Wainwright added that this expansion is part of the university’s solution to the statewide healthcare shortage, ensuring more nurses are trained and employed locally.

The project continues to seek additional partners and offers naming opportunities to support its full vision.

Since 1964, Southeastern’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences has produced more than 5,600 graduates. The university remains committed to expanding opportunities, reducing the nursing shortage, and improving healthcare—especially in rural communities across Louisiana.