Gaston College Health Science Education, Simulation & Community Wellness Center

Gaston College is advancing its commitment to healthcare education and workforce development with a transformative Health Science Education, Simulation, and Community Wellness Center at its Dallas Campus. Designed to respond to regional workforce demands and evolving community needs, the facility expands hands-on training opportunities, interdisciplinary learning environments, and public-facing health and wellness programming—positioning the college as a regional hub for healthcare education and community engagement.

Originally conceived as an extension of the David Belk Cannon Health Education Institute, the project addresses a projected shortage of more than 700 healthcare workers across the region. The center strengthens pathways for students entering healthcare fields while also supporting incumbent professionals seeking continuing education, certifications, and career advancement. Programming spans certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees across core health science disciplines, ensuring graduates are workforce-ready and aligned with industry demand.

Health Sciences Simulation Center

At the heart of the facility is a state-of-the-art Health Sciences Simulation Center, designed to replicate real-world clinical environments and deliver immersive, scenario-based learning. Allied health instructional labs, flexible skills training spaces, general-purpose classrooms, and collaborative learning zones support a comprehensive educational model rooted in applied learning and interdisciplinary instruction. Two multi-discipline science teaching labs help expand course offerings and reduce demand on existing facilities, while additional classrooms and faculty spaces support program growth.

Community Health & Wellness Center

The expanded vision also introduces a Community Health & Wellness Center, broadening the facility’s impact beyond academics to serve as a civic and regional gathering space. A centerpiece approximately 2,000-seat multi-use event venue will support:

• Graduations
• Community events (job fairs, concerts, and more)
• Athletic events and community health and wellness programming
• Gaston College sports, being the home for their athletic programs

The venue is complemented by athletic training facilities for both Gaston College athletes and community use, along with dedicated athletic training and preventative care spaces that reinforce connections between health education and applied wellness practices. Supporting amenities include five locker rooms for varsity teams, public users, and referee’s locker room.

Shared campus spaces further enhance flexibility and collaboration across programs. These include classrooms, science labs, faculty offices, conference rooms, and informal collaboration areas designed to support growth across health sciences, early college programming, and broader academic offerings. A 40-seat classroom integrated into the existing David Belk Cannon facility further extends instructional capacity adjacent to existing health science programs.

Developed in close partnership with CaroMont Regional Medical Center, Atrium Health, Novant Health, local K–12 districts, and neighboring community colleges, the project reflects a coordinated regional effort to expand access to healthcare education and career pathways.

BSA is proud to lead the design, programming, and advanced planning. Morris-Berg Architects is serving as the Architect of Record. Together, the design team is supporting Gaston College’s long-term vision to build a resilient, highly skilled healthcare workforce while creating a flexible, community-oriented facility that serves both academic and public needs.

View other Learning projects.

Project Contact