The demand for skilled nurses has never been higher—and West Virginia University is rising to the challenge with a bold, forward-thinking approach to healthcare education. Completed in March 2025, the new WVU Medicine Center for Nursing Education stands as a powerful investment in the future of patient care, academic innovation, and student success.
Desmone is proud to have partnered with WVU Medicine on this transformative project—designing a space that prepares the next generation of nurses for the realities of today’s healthcare landscape.
A New Home for Nursing Excellence
Located within the WVU Innovation Center, which in its former life was a portion of Mylan Pharmaceutical’s oral dose manufacturing plant, the 37,000 square foot renovation brings together technology, hands-on training, and collaborative learning environments under one roof. The facility now serves as a dynamic academic home for WVU Medicine’s nursing students, offering the resources and real-world experience they need to excel in an ever-evolving field.
The challenge involved transforming a former clean room manufacturing facility into a state-of-the-art educational institution, despite the absence of several fundamental features typically essential to such environments—most notably, access to natural daylight.
Designing with Purpose: Flexibility, Function, Wellness and Future-Readiness
The Center’s design is rooted in the idea of flexibility. Knowing that the healthcare industry is constantly evolving, Desmone created spaces that support:
- State-of-the-art simulation labs for immersive, scenario-based learning.
- Technology-integrated classrooms that enable both in-person and hybrid instruction.
- Adaptable learning environments that can evolve with changes in curriculum and teaching styles.
These elements come together to form an academic environment that mirrors real-world medical settings, giving students a head start on their future careers.
A Student-Centered Environment which Promotes Wellness
While performance and functionality remained foundational to the design, Desmone placed equal emphasis on cultivating a space that promotes student well-being and fosters a sense of connection. To mitigate the limited availability of natural light, WELL Building Standard principles were strategically incorporated, most notably:
- Indoor Air Quality – Capitalizing on the facility’s legacy as a clean room, the design upheld and advanced rigorous air quality standards. Key measures included the minimization of airborne contaminants, the implementation of advanced purification systems, and a high rate of air exchanges per hour—all contributing to a consistently healthy and comfortable indoor environment
- Nourishment – Water quality was enhanced through advanced filtration systems and strategic fixture placement to ensure easy access to clean, contaminant-free water. In parallel, the design encourages healthy eating habits by offering occupants convenient access to nutritious food options, reinforcing a holistic approach to wellness.
- Light – Circadian rhythm lighting and faux skylights were thoughtfully integrated throughout the facility to support occupants’ natural biological cycles, enhancing energy levels, mood, and overall productivity.
- Comfort – Creating a calm, focused environment was a key design priority, achieved through thermal and acoustic control strategies alongside biophilic design elements. Together, these features minimize distractions and promote a productive, soothing indoor atmosphere conducive to learning and well-being.
- Fitness – In addition to the dedicated fitness center, the facility’s intuitive circulation paths promote natural movement throughout the day. The efficient layout between labs, classrooms, and communal spaces encourages physical activity, making it easier for occupants to integrate fitness into their daily routines.
- Mind – To support mental and emotional well-being, a range of thoughtfully selected amenities were incorporated, including a fitness center, meditation room, laundry facilities, quiet study areas, and collaborative lounges. These spaces not only encourage peer-to-peer learning and community building but also provide essential support for students’ overall psychological wellness. By integrating these elements, the Center offers more than just instruction—it offers a campus experience that prioritizes wellness, confidence, and connection.
Designed to Make a Difference
The impact of the WVU Medicine Center for Nursing Education extends far beyond the campus. This facility is a crucial step toward strengthening the regional healthcare workforce, enabling WVU Medicine to educate more students and meet the rising demand for qualified nursing professionals across West Virginia and beyond.
Throughout the project, Desmone worked closely with WVU Medicine leadership to ensure the facility aligned with long-term academic and healthcare goals. The result is a space that not only serves today’s needs but will continue to support students and communities for generations to come.