Methodist College Celebrates Grand Opening of New Campus

Thirteen months after the hammers broke through the walls of a former furniture store, Methodist College, UnityPoint Health, and City of Peoria officials cut the ribbon and opened the doors to the new Methodist College campus on July 25, 2016.

Located at 7600 N. Academic Drive in North Peoria, the 126,000 square-foot-building and neighboring student housing complex, provide the opportunity to meet the current and future needs of Methodist College, a nursing and health science college and an affiliate of UnityPoint Health Peoria. With 80,000 square feet of completed collaborative and innovative learning space, the new campus features 14 classrooms, three science labs, two computer labs, a café, campus store, a student fitness center, a recreation center, conference and meeting space, and faculty and staff offices.

“Today is the result of a vision to create the largest nursing and health science college in downstate Illinois,” said Methodist College President Dr. Kimberly A. Johnston. “It is a place where individuals can come to receive an excellent education and – upon graduation – become a part of the growing community of healthcare professionals not only in Peoria and Central Illinois, but across the country.”

Johnston was joined at the podium by Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis, UnityPoint Health Peoria President and CEO Debbie Simon, and UnityPoint Health President and CEO Kevin Vermeer.

“As a healthcare provider, we are always looking for top nursing and healthcare talent to join our organization,” said Vermeer. “We do this through our schools and other academic programs. Our first recruitment opportunity is an exceptional student experience.”

A ribbon cutting, led by Cullinan Properties, Ltd. Chairman and Founding Partner Diane Cullinan Oberhelman, also was held for the Methodist College Housing Complex, a new apartment-style residence located directly behind the new campus.  Methodist College partnered with Cullinan Properties to construct student housing that can accommodate up to 112 residents. Students have the option to share one, two or four bedroom apartments featuring an open floor plan, and conveniently located in walking or bicycle distance to the many retail and entertainment amenities available in North Peoria.

A Community Open House was held Monday afternoon. The college opened the doors to the college to allow the college’s new neighbors and the general public to tour the new campus. Guests also had the opportunity to tour the Methodist College Student Housing.

Methodist College will kick off its fall semester on August 15.  Along with offering several options to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Methodist College also offers two Bachelor of Science in Health Science degrees – Behavioral Healthcare or Healthcare Management, and a Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Educator. In addition to a Certificate of Gerontology, this fall the college is initiating a certificate program in Nurse Assistant and a certificate program in Medical Assistant. 

For more information visit www.methodistCOL.edu or call (309) 672-5513.