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This year marks a special time where the university is experiencing a new beginning.
As NSU approaches its centennial, some things are the same as its first year of operation and other things are very different.
Some of these changes include a new Student Health Services Building.
“The previous Student Health Services was the white building located across from Haskell Hall Annex and the Baptist Collegiate Ministries on Grand Avenue,” said Rommel Abad, assistant dean of Student Affairs.
Students are glad there is a new building available instead of the old one.
“The old building seems a lot more rundown and the new one is much more modern,” said Audria Brown, Whitesboro sophomore.
The old Student Health Services Building was torn down to allow for other changes on campus.
“To my understanding, part of the decision was influenced by the construction of the new Enrollment Services Building,” said Abad. “There are a number of other factors and variables in deciding to demolish the old SHS building.”
The new modular building was placed at its current location in early September.
The temporary location of Student Health Services is located between Wyly Hall and the baseball field.
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“It took a number of weeks to get the building operational from a standpoint of electricity, computer networking and pavement/sidewalk accessibility,” said Abad.
Now that the new building is up and running, everyone enjoys being in it.
“The new building is working out great and it is closer to student housing, and so we get more regular visits on a daily basis,” said Carol Homberger, licensed practical nurse.
More visits mean students are utilizing the services better. The mission statement of SHS is to provide quality health care to allow students to perform optimally, physically and mentally; to achieve their academic and intellectual potential; and to minimize interruptions in their academic pursuits.
“If students are sick and unhealthy, achievement and success with academic pursuits may be more difficult,” said Abad. “Students can utilize SHS for the assessment and treatment of minor illnesses as well as gain educational resources and information to influence healthy behavior and choices.”
The new building has a waiting room, business office area, nurse’s lab station, three exam rooms and an office for the nurse practitioner.
“Libby Rogers is the new director and nurse practitioner of Student Health Services,” said Abad. “Libby Rogers has years of experience working in the medical community in and around Tahlequah. She is a former undergraduate student of NSU and earned her bachelor’s degree at NSU in 1996.”
Students who have visited the new building are pleased with the environment.
“I thought it was very organized and students can get in and out easily,” said Jerry Butts, Coweta freshman. “It was also very clean and there were things to do while waiting.”
Students are also impressed with those who work at the clinic.
“Everyone that works there was very friendly and helpful. It’s a cleaner atmosphere and it seems more student friendly,” said Brown.
Student Health Services is now located between Wyly Hall and the baseball field. Student Health Services is an acute care facility. Health insurance is not accepted but there is no charge to see the nurse practitioner. Charges may apply for services such as labs, immunizations, medications and procedures. Cash, checks, debit cards and major credit cards are accepted for applicable charges for services.
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Photo by Chelsea Buttress |
