News Summary
The University of Central Florida has officially opened the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion, a new facility aimed at addressing the nursing shortage in Central Florida. With a capacity to graduate 150 additional nursing students annually, the pavilion features advanced educational resources including modern classrooms and a simulation center. Funded by significant investments from the State of Florida and private donations, this facility aims to enhance nursing education and prepare students for real-world healthcare challenges, benefiting both the students and local healthcare communities.
Orlando, FL – The University of Central Florida (UCF) celebrated the official opening of the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion on August 18, 2025. This new facility, located on Lake Nona Boulevard as part of UCF’s Academic Health Sciences Campus, is dedicated to addressing the ongoing nursing shortage in the region.
The Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion is designed to graduate an additional 150 nursing students each year. With the demand for healthcare professionals in Central Florida rapidly increasing, this expansion aims to help meet local healthcare needs.
The construction of the pavilion was made possible by a significant investment totaling over $72 million, which includes $43 million from the State of Florida and more than $29 million in private donations. This funding highlights the commitment to strengthening the nursing workforce in Florida.
The facility spans 90,000 square feet and is equipped with advanced educational features, including modern classrooms, a state-of-the-art simulation center, and a virtual reality studio. These resources are set to offer immersive real-world training experiences for nursing students, significantly enhancing their educational journey.
UCF is proud to have a robust alumni network, boasting over 17,000 nursing graduates, with nearly 60% remaining in the Central Florida area to contribute to regional healthcare efforts. The opening of the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion is expected to further strengthen this pipeline of nursing talent.
The collaboration with AdventHealth stands out as a key component of the pavilion’s development. AdventHealth not only contributed to the funding but also played an active role in establishing student scholarships, ensuring that financial barriers do not impede aspiring nurses from pursuing their education.
The implications of the pavilion extend beyond just education; its opening is aimed at benefiting local communities by increasing the availability of healthcare professionals. With an emphasis on preparing students for real-world challenges, the simulation labs within the pavilion are designed to replicate authentic hospital environments. This hands-on training allows students to acquire practical experience essential for their future roles.
Recent graduates, including Nadesha Phipps, have acknowledged that the pavilion is a “game-changer” for nursing education within the region, equipping students with the advanced technology and resources required to thrive in their careers. This sentiment echoes the views of healthcare experts who recognize the pavilion’s role in addressing the urgent healthcare demands in Central Florida.
Dr. Mary Lou Sole, a former Dean of the College of Nursing, has emphasized the significance of the pavilion amid a backdrop of growing healthcare needs. She points out that the facility is strategically located near other healthcare establishments, such as UCF’s College of Medicine and Nemours Children’s Hospital. This proximity encourages collaboration and partnership opportunities between medical and nursing students, highlighting the holistic approach to healthcare education at UCF.
UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright addressed the strong collaborative effort required to bring the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion to fruition. He noted that this initiative involved community leaders, healthcare champions, and state representatives all working toward a common goal: to fortify Florida’s nursing talent pipeline. The opening of the pavilion marks a significant step forward in addressing not only the nursing shortage but also the broader healthcare challenges that Central Florida is currently facing.
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HERE Resources
University of Central Florida Announces Major Campus Investments
Additional Resources
- WFTV: UCF Opens Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion
- Click Orlando: Game Changer UCF Opens New Nursing Pavilion
- Orlando Sentinel: UCF Opens State-of-the-Art Nursing Building
- Wikipedia: Nursing
- Google Search: Nursing Shortage
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
