$25-million renovation planned for nursing program facility
A longtime Sonoma State academic building will be renovated and modernized to accommodate the university’s growing nursing program, university officials announced.
A $25-million upgrade is planned for Nichols Hall, one of SSU's longest-standing structures, through funding from the $45-million “Sonoma State Commitment” made by legislators in summer 2025, along with a line of credit from the California State University.
“With the support of university leadership, School of Nursing faculty have endorsed a $25-million renovation that will create a modern, technologically advanced, and welcoming space to educate and prepare future generations of nurses to serve the North Bay region,” said Dr. Stacey Bosick, SSU interim provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Planned improvements to Nichols include modern simulation labs, as well as updated skills labs where students will be exposed to hospital- or clinic-like settings. New lounge and study spaces in Nichols will support individual and collaborative academic study and community connections for students and faculty.
The modernization is part of a broader expansion of Sonoma State’s health sciences programming. The university anticipates growth in its traditional (pre-licensure) bachelor of science in nursing, RN to BSN, and master of science in nursing programs, as well as its post-graduate certificate in psychiatric nursing.
"The future of health care in the North Bay lives in the nursing and health sciences students and faculty at Sonoma State University, in partnership with our regional health care providers and fellow educational institutions," SSU President Michael E. Spagna said. "This commitment ensures our students are even more practice-ready and able to keep pace with technology-driven changes in the nursing profession.
“This modernization is one aspect of a reimagined Sonoma State University, one that honors its liberal arts history and tradition while identifying and meeting the needs of a constantly evolving and changing workforce."
Nichols Hall, named after the university’s founding president, Ambrose R. Nichols, was erected in 1975. The three-story, 30,000-square-foot structure served for many years as a major classroom and office building for the arts and humanities.
“Nursing is a very successful program and is the fourth-largest program on campus, as well as our largest graduate program,” said Dr. Elisabeth Wade, dean of SSU’s College of Science, Technology, and Business, which includes the School of Nursing. “This project will elevate our nursing facilities, giving students access to modern spaces to help prepare them for work in regional hospitals and beyond.”
“SSU has provided nursing education for over 50 years, consistently preparing highly qualified nurses,” said Dr. Krista Altaker, SSU professor and chair of the nursing program. “Providing a simulated acute-care environment to safely practice core skills can be challenging, often requiring a great deal of imagination for faculty and students.
“Having up-to-date space and equipment will significantly enhance the learning environment for students and faculty, and will support an even better-quality education for our students,” Altaker continued. “(It) will also clearly communicate to our clinical partners in the community, and to our surrounding neighbors, that SSU believes strongly in supporting nursing education.”
The $25-million is from two sources:
- $16 million from the $45-million Sonoma State Commitment – one-time, nonrenewable funds earmarked by the Legislature in 2025 to specifically support the growth and advancement of the School of Nursing, among other university initiatives.
$9 million from a line of credit provided by the Chancellor’s Office to support one-time infrastructure needs tied to enrollment growth.
Bosick said the use of one-time funding is appropriate for the project, as it will be used for capital improvements rather than ongoing commitments such as salaries, benefits, or utilities. “Sonoma State Commitment” funds from the Legislature were provided with the condition that they be expended within three years.
Plans for a groundbreaking will be announced in the coming weeks.