Board OKs Pharmacy School
January 27, 2006
Local leaders began planning Thursday for the next step in bringing a branch of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy to Abilene. Though the project received official approval from a state agency Thursday, community leaders must raise $1.5 million to top off the nearly $12 million that's been pledged so far to fund the project. Abilene foundations, health centers, civic leaders and Texas Tech officials formed a partnership that will provide public and private money to fund the construction of a 36,000 square foot building and its first four years of operation. To raise the remaining $1.5 million, officials will kick off a fundraiser in February during a celebration of the school's approval.Construction on the building could begin as early as this summer, and applications from students will likely be accepted starting in September. The project's leaders hope the first class of 40 students will begin coursework in August 2007. The introduction of a pharmacy school in Abilene will bring about advancements in education, health care and economic development, leaders said after the board's decision Thursday.
The Development Corporation of Abilene will contribute $1 million in forgivable loans to the school, partially contingent upon job creation. Leaders said the school will employ 42 full-time faculty and staff members at full capacity.
