Murray State College held a media day to announce the funding success of the Westheimer Southern Oklahoma Nursing Education Center (SONEC).

Developed to address Oklahoma’s nursing shortage, the SONEC builds on Murray State College’s largest and fastest-growing program – its Nursing Program. As a key center of excellence, the program has expanded to multiple communities across southern Oklahoma; Ardmore, Duncan, Durant, and Tishomingo.

“The SONEC is the next leap forward in our mission to serve,” said Dr. Tim Faltyn, Murray State College President. “We’re committed to transforming the region and improving quality of life. By partnering with proven educational institutions and healthcare facilities, we create clear pathways for students to excel in health-related careers.”

Murray State has grown its nursing graduate numbers from 90 to almost 250 in the last couple of years, with 85% working within a 50-mile radius of Murray’s Ardmore campus. Through the SONEC, Murray State RNs can pursue master’s and doctoral-level degrees from the University of Oklahoma anywhere in southern Oklahoma.

Murray State and Mercy share a vision of addressing the region’s nursing shortage, one graduate at a time. Mercy Hospital employs more Murray State nursing graduates than any other hospital system in Oklahoma. The SONEC will create a direct pipeline of graduates to each Mercy facility in southern Oklahoma.

“When you train people where they live, they stay,” Faltyn said. “We are truly grateful for Mercy’s partnership and commitment to rural healthcare. The SONEC building will become a beacon of innovation and care, expanding healthcare services and enriching lives for future generations.”

The $25.5 million, 44,000-square-foot SONEC facility will feature nursing education classrooms and simulation labs, faculty offices, student union and service spaces, and on-site education areas for partners.

Faltyn emphasized the SONEC's long-term impact, saying, “This facility is more than a building—it’s a promise to our communities. It will empower students with the education and resources they need to succeed while ensuring that high-quality healthcare remains accessible across southern Oklahoma.”

The SONEC groundbreaking will take place on April 8 at 2 p.m. at Murray State College in Ardmore.