Black Hills State University–Rapid City Celebrates Grand Opening of Expanded Healthcare Education Facility
October 3, 2025On September 30, Black Hills State University-Rapid City (BHSU-RC) marked a major milestone with the grand opening of its newly renovated and expanded Monument West River Health Science Center. Designed to advance healthcare education and workforce development in western South Dakota, the project was made possible through a strategic partnership between BHSU, South Dakota State University (SDSU), and Monument Health.
The new addition includes expanded classroom space, simulation and skills labs, and support facilities, enabling BHSU-RC to host a full nursing education program on-site. Students pursuing an associate degree in applied health sciences at BHSU can now seamlessly transition into SDSU’s Rapid City Standard Bachelor of Nursing program.
Kahler Slater led the programming, planning, and design for this project in partnership with TSP, Inc.
Photo courtesy of Black Hills State University-Rapid City
“Students have mentioned that being able to work with patients, even though it’s simulated, has really enhanced their learning experience, and we have a state-of-the-art facility here that allows them to do things that weren’t possible before.”Ashley Armstrong, VP Continued Education & Workforce Development