Under secretary visits Muskingum University

NEW CONCORD − Xochitl Torres Small, Under Secretary for Rural Development for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, recently visited Muskingum University along with Jonathan McCracke, Director for Rural Development Ohio.

The visit included a tour of the Henry D. Bullock Health and Wellness Complex, which received a $28 million Community Facilities Direct Loan for construction.

“I am thrilled to see this facility and the investment Muskingum has put into this project and the way it has collaborated with the community,” said Torres Small. “The fact that Rural Development gets to be a partner in this facility is an honor.”

Annually, USDA Rural Development Ohio invests approximately $800 million in essential community infrastructure. These types of investments are key in ensuring rural areas enjoy the same basic quality of life and services enjoyed by those in urban areas.

“I saw how this facility is a bridge in a lot of ways. It connects the needs of the students with the history of the location. It also connects athletics and academics and the importance of both,” said Torres Small. “Finally, it is a bridge connecting Muskingum with the community providing new connections for the community.”

The Bullock Complex dramatically expands and enhances facilities to support academic programs, athletics, recreation and well-being. The enhanced facilities of this transformative complex will be a dynamic space for Muskies to cheer on their teams and host programming for the health sciences, recreation and community well-being.

“I want to thank Under Secretary Torres Small and State Director Jonathan McCracken for their continued advocacy and support for the development of this region,” said Muskingum University President Susan Hasseler. “Thanks to the support of the USDA, Alumnus and Trustee Emeritus Henry D. Bullock and many wonderful alumni and friends, we were able to move this transformational project from vision to reality.”

Muskingum University will host a grand opening of the complex at 11 a.m. Sept. 17 part of the college's 100th homecoming. An open house will allow alumni and community members to tour the facility. Learn more about it at muskingum.edu/bhwc.

Founded in 1837, Muskingum University provides a rich, broad-based education in the liberal arts tradition that provides relevant and viable futures for students that impact the region and prepare them for the world. Muskingum offers more than 60 undergraduate majors, which prepare students for the professional workforce and advanced studies; three master’s degree programs; a post-master’s degree; the Muskingum Adult Program featuring online and evening courses; and workforce development partnerships for continuing education.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Under secretary visits Muskingum University