Medical City Healthcare gifts $7 million building to Weatherford College
Dallas, Texas — In a transformative gift that will benefit students, families and the healthcare industry across North Texas, Medical City Healthcare has donated a $7 million building and land to Weatherford College. This is one of the largest gifts for Weatherford College, which was founded in 1869 and is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Texas.
The 100,000-square-foot, three story facility on 16 acres of land in Bridgeport, Texas will enable the college to dramatically expand its health science programs — including its highly respected nursing program — at a time when the region faces critical healthcare workforce shortages.
The building, which was part of Medical City Decatur and most recently served as a Medical City Healthcare training facility, has not been utilized to its full potential, and can now serve as a cornerstone for Weatherford College’s healthcare education. The new space will potentially allow for expanded classrooms, advanced simulation labs and clinical training opportunities for students pursuing careers in nursing, pharmacy, patient care tech and other health science professions. Advancing healthcare careers is a community engagement priority impact area for Medical City Healthcare and its parent company, HCA Healthcare.
“This donation reflects Medical City Healthcare’s commitment to advancing the future of nursing and healthcare careers in North Texas and beyond, and our dedication to giving back and investing in the communities we serve,” says Allen Harrison, president of Medical City Healthcare. “By supporting the next generation and growth of educational opportunities for healthcare careers, we’re helping to ensure that our communities have access to the skilled professionals needed for generations to come.”
The gift comes at a pivotal time as healthcare providers throughout Texas and the nation confront shortages in nursing and allied health professionals. The enhanced training space could increase the number of students Weatherford College can educate and graduate each year in a leading-edge environment for preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Weatherford College President Tod Allen Farmer expressed his gratitude on behalf of the college and its students.
“We are profoundly grateful to Medical City Healthcare for this extraordinary gift,” says Dr. Farmer. “This facility will allow Weatherford College to elevate our health science programs to an entirely new level, providing our students with resources and opportunities to succeed while addressing a vital need in our community. It is a win for our students, our region and the future of healthcare in North Texas.”
The newly acquired property will undergo renovations and program development planning over the coming months. Weatherford College will have a 90-day due diligence period, with a possible closing date soon thereafter.