The Wayne State University College of Nursing is thrilled to announce a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 12, 2025, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., to unveil its brand-new, state-of-the-art classroom space in the Cohn Building. 

Spanning 4,231 square feet, this $2 million project addresses the evolving needs of nursing education and supports the Empower Health pillar of Wayne State’s Prosperity Agenda. 

The renovation was driven by an exponential increase in undergraduate cohort sizes since 2015. 

Wayne State Provost, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Former Dean of the College of Nursing, Laurie M. Lauzon Clabo, Ph.D., initially spearheaded the project during her tenure as Dean to meet the rising need for centralized, accessible classroom space that accommodates all nursing students without reliance on facilities across campus. 

The classrooms are purpose-built for flexibility and collaboration, featuring a 156-seat large classroom and a 32-seat small classroom. 

These spaces include reconfigurable seating, breakout areas with display monitors, and fully integrated AV technology such as embedded microphones, 10 display monitors, speakers for distance learning, and adjustable lighting. 

Designed to support a wide range of activities—from flipped classrooms and group study to standardized testing, continuing education, town halls, and guest lectures—the new space will serve approximately 70% of the College’s undergraduate and graduate students.  

“From the moment students step into this space, they’ll see our commitment to providing a transformative learning environment that mirrors the realities of modern nursing practice,” said Ramona Benkert, PhD, ANP-BC, FAANP, Dean of the College of Nursing. “This renovation isn’t just about creating classrooms—it’s about fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence in nursing education.” 

The investment in this space directly supports Wayne State’s Empower Health initiative, which seeks to expand cutting-edge care and address health disparities to build healthier, more resilient neighborhoods in Detroit and beyond.  

Wayne State-trained nurses play a critical role in every major Detroit health system, as well as in neighborhood clinics, churches, and community hubs, providing essential care to underserved populations.  

By ensuring that nursing students have access to high-tech, adaptable learning environments, Wayne State is equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on training necessary to serve the community effectively.