Mat-Su College begins new $3.5 million expansion

On Wednesday, May 23, the ribbon was cut for the new $3.5 million expansion of Snodgrass Hall. The new addition to Matanuska-Susitna College will feature classrooms and support rooms for the paramedic and nurse training programs at the college.

An audience of nearly 100 faculty, staff, students and visiting dignitaries witnessed the official start of construction. Associate Professor of Nursing Carol Nash spoke about the planned expansion of the nursing program in the new facility, where the local cohort will be expanded from eight to sixteen students. Assistant Professor of Paramedic Technology Kathy Griffin spoke about her enthusiasm for the promising future for her paramedic students, many of whom were present.

College Director Talis Colberg noted that the Matanuska-Susitna Borough's long-range commitment to the campus had been a primary reason for the new construction. The borough support for the paramedic program had not only been a primary reason for the development of the program, but a major reason for voter approval of bond investment in a state-of-the-art facility.

Borough Mayor Larry DeVilbiss also recognized the expanding opportunities at the college and assisted Professors Griffin and Nash in cutting the ribbon. Colberg remarked, "the University of Alaska very much appreciates such opportunities for community engagement and looks forward to more in the future."

In the picture: Associate Professor of Nursing Carol Nash and Assistant Professor of Paramedical Technology Kathy Griffin posing behind the floor plans, with their respective students, for the new expansion of Snodgrass Hall.