THIBODAUX, La. – In October, a commemorative beam was signed and welded into place on the construction site of the new building that will expand the footprint of the Thibodaux Regional Health System School of Nursing at Nicholls State University.
Nicholls President Dr. Jay Clune, Thibodaux Regional CEO Greg Stock and Nicholls Dean of Nursing Dr. Raquel Engolio joined faculty, staff, local leaders, healthcare providers and students in this momentous occasion. Nicholls is honored to have Thibodaux Regional as the namesake of its School of Nursing, as it reflects the shared commitment to providing exceptionally trained nursing candidates for the region.
The new facility will be made possible through $20M in state-appropriated funds, along with $7.1M dedicated to renovations of Betsy C. Ayo Hall. The new 33,000 square foot building’s first floor will house two auditoriums and two large classrooms, and the second floor will house nursing skills labs and a state-of-the-art simulation space equipped with cutting-edge technology, preparing graduates for professional practices within dynamic healthcare settings.
In addition, a $10M contribution from Thibodaux Regional Health System will enable the university to provide equipment needed to ensure state-of-the-art teaching for students, hire new faculty members to support program expansion, support the retention of current program faculty and assist in the professional development of nursing faculty.
This will enable the Thibodaux Regional Health System School of Nursing at Nicholls State University to increase the number of nursing candidates in its undergraduate program and meet the need for nurses in the region. Thibodaux Regional has been a valued partner of Nicholls and its nursing program for many years, providing clinical space for students to gain experience through all phases of their nursing education, as well as providing opportunities for employment after graduation.
To learn more, visit www.nicholls.edu/nursing.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, November 17, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Payton Suire
Media Relations & Publications Coordinator,
985.448.4141 or payton.suire@nicholls.edu