March 10, 2009 | The UAMS College of Health Related Professions (CHRP) is moving into its new home in renovated buildings formerly owned by the Arkansas State Hospital.

Most of the college’s 17 programs, currently spread over locations in Little Rock and North Little Rock, are to be housed in the new facility. The programs are slated to begin moving in mid-March and complete the move in mid-April, said CHRP Dean Ronald Winters, Ph.D.

“The College of Health Related Professions is 38 years old this year and the programs have never had a common home,” Winters said.

Winters said the new home will promote a more college campus-like atmosphere for students as well as cross-discipline collaborations among faculty and students.

The college is one of the largest at UAMS with more than 600 undergraduate and graduate students. It encompasses professions from dental hygiene to surgical technology, from genetic counseling to diagnostic medical sonography.

Winters said the 50-year-old buildings were in good shape structurally. With the addition of some new interior walls and removal of others, as well as upgrades to bathrooms and other facilities, the buildings will become office space, work areas, small classrooms, teaching labs and conference rooms.

Also included will be creation of a student study center, offering study space for individuals and groups. The entire facility will have wireless Internet access.

A plaza area and two courtyards will become part of the college, providing outdoor spaces where students and faculty can congregate or find a quiet place to eat lunch or study.

The Arkansas State Hospital moved into a new complex in June 2008. It will continue to operate some of its older buildings, which are separated from UAMS by fences. The renovations are funded by a 2006 bond issue approved by Arkansas voters.

The former State Hospital administration building will provide administrative space for the college.

The building also will house offices for the Graduate School, the UAMS Office of Diversity Affairs, Student Financial Services, Academic Affairs and Financial Aid. This puts those offices in convenient proximity to other campus education buildings. Those offices will be moved to their home by the end of 2009.