North Carolina Construction News staff writer
University of North Carolina at Pembroke has marked a major milestone in its expansion of healthcare education with the groundbreaking of a new Clinical Sciences Building.
The April 10 ceremony signals the start of construction on the $96.8-million, 74,000-sq. ft. building, which is expected to be completed in 2028 and open to students in August of that year.
The building will serve as a hub for advanced healthcare education, housing the university’s College of Optometric Medicine, Occupational Therapy program and additional clinical sciences programs. Designed to support hands-on learning and interdisciplinary collaboration, the facility aims to strengthen workforce development across southeastern North Carolina.
Speakers at the event included Rob Hsin of Jenkins Peer Architects; Aaron Thomas, president and CEO of Metcon Construction and a UNCP graduate; and Scott Hamilton, president and CEO of the Golden LEAF Foundation.
The Golden LEAF Foundation has committed $4.86 million toward the future optometric program, funding clinical and training lab equipment to support hands-on learning and advanced, technology-based patient care.
University officials said the project represents years of planning and collaboration, supported in part by funding from the North Carolina General Assembly.
The Clinical Sciences Building will include specialized learning and clinical spaces such as an optometric clinic, clinical exam rooms, simulation labs and collaborative student areas. It will also house the state’s first public College of Optometric Medicine, a development expected to expand access to eye care and broader healthcare services across the state.
Provost Diane Prusank said the project builds on the university’s growing health sciences portfolio.
“This groundbreaking reflects UNC Pembroke’s continued commitment to expanding high-quality healthcare education and creating opportunities for our students,” she said. “The Clinical Sciences Building will strengthen our growing portfolio of health programs and allow us to prepare future healthcare leaders to serve communities across southeastern North Carolina.”
UNCP’s expansion into health sciences began in 2018 with the creation of its College of Health Sciences, following research that identified a critical need for more healthcare professionals in the region. Continued state investment has since supported the rollout of new programs, including optometry, which will play a central role in the new facility.
Once complete, the building will feature classrooms, laboratories, clinical training spaces and patient care areas, providing students with real-world experience while increasing access to care for surrounding communities.