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Construction is slated to begin in early 2025 on a $3.15 million addition to Dr. Kent L. Wattleworth Hall, which will house Olney Central College’s Radiography and Nursing programs.
A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. on January 15. The event will begin with remarks in the Dr. John D. Stull Performing Arts Center and then proceed to the construction site located on the northside of Wattleworth Hall.
The 8,000-square-feet Applied Technology Center will feature dedicated classroom and office spaces for both programs as well as high-tech simulation and skills labs. The facility also will provide Radiography students with access to an energized lab on campus — a first in the program’s 30-year history. Other amenities include a student lounge, laundry area and added storage space.
“The Applied Technology Center at Olney Central College represents our commitment to delivering state-of-the-art education through advanced simulation and hands-on learning,” said Dr. Alani Frederick, Dean of Health Professions for Illinois Eastern Community Colleges. “Nursing students will be immersed in a realistic hospital environment, allowing them to develop critical clinical judgment in a safe, supervised setting. Radiography students will gain essential experience in our energized lab, where they’ll take X-rays under the guidance of expert faculty to ensure precision. By blending cutting-edge technology with expert instruction, we’re preparing our students to become highly skilled healthcare professionals ready to meet the demands of today’s workforce.”
This will be the largest classroom addition at OCC in more than decade and the biggest renovation to OCC’s main building since its opening in 1974. The project includes revamping current Classrooms 106, 107 and 108 and incorporating them into the new facility designed by Graham & Hyde Architects Inc.
“This is really a significant improvement for Wattleworth Hall and a real game-changer for Allied Health,” said OCC President Chris Simpson. “This construction project will have a huge impact on the OCC Nursing and Radiography programs. It’s exciting to see it finally come to reality and this is something we really want to celebrate.”
He added, “Allied Health Programs are some of our most successful, creating graduates who are workforce ready. I think this not only helps the college’s efforts to improve, but it will have a far-reaching impact in the community because the graduates we produce will be working within our local healthcare facilities.”
Funded in part by Illinois Capital Development Board monies, Simpson shared that project bids exceeded the construction budget. Instead of altering plans or eliminating optional classroom space, OCC turned to the community for support.
Since then, the college has received more than $400,000 in donations to cover the shortfall including the Olney Central College Foundation’s pledge of more than $150,000 over the next five years. Other contributors include Wabash General Hospital, the Johnsie Flock Fildes Foundation, the Richland County Board and the City of Olney. OCC also received a generous gift given in memory of Phyllis Fehrenbacher by her family.
“We are very pleased with the response we have received from these different groups who have chosen to support this project,” Simpson said. “It indicates the generosity of our supporters and the valuable role OCC plays in our community.”
The donations have ensured the best possible outcome for OCC students.
“One of the main reasons we wanted the two nursing classrooms is to be able to bring together all of our Allied Health Programs in one location,” Simpson said. “Currently they are spread throughout Wattleworth Hall. Also, without the inclusion of the two nursing classrooms, we would have a net loss of classrooms in the building. Now, we have a net gain and some additional office space as well.”
Prep work at the site is already underway. Construction is expected to continue throughout 2025 with the facility ready for student use in 2026.
