The Murray State College Foundation has received a grant from the Jerome Westheimer Family Foundation (Foundation) in support of the Southern Oklahoma Nursing Education Center (SONEC) in Ardmore.

The Foundation is deeply committed to funding impactful education initiatives. In December, it met to review the grant application submitted by the Murray State College Foundation in August to fund the construction of the SONEC.

“The Murray State College Foundation is proud to be a strong partner and operate as an important fundraising vehicle for Murray State,” said Larry Sloan, Chair of the Murray State College Foundation. “The Jerome Westheimer Family Foundation’s gift is significant in the project's fundraising campaign. We are honored to receive their investment.”

The historic nature of the grant has resulted in an offer and acceptance to add the Westheimer name to the facility.

“This facility and its impact on our communities are exactly what the Jerome Westheimer Family Foundation was designed to support,” said Jerome Westheimer, Jr., Chair of the Foundation. “We are honored to grant funds to construct the SONEC and see the Westheimer name atop the region’s premier nursing education center.”

The Westheimer SONEC will be a 42,000-square-foot nursing education facility with classrooms, laboratories, student services, and flexible learning spaces for Murray State and its education partners. This center will offer more than 30 new jobs in Ardmore to train 250-300 nurses annually.

“Partners like the Jerome Westheimer Family Foundation see the nursing shortage and the need for healthcare professionals in this region and are taking action,” said Dr. Tim Faltyn, Murray State College President. “The vision of the Westheimer Southern Oklahoma Nursing Education Center is being realized and shared in our communities. We are grateful and proud to receive their gift and look forward to seeing the Westheimer name atop this important facility.”