Faulkner University celebrated the completion of its new College of Health Sciences with a dedication ceremony on February 28, 2025. The event marked the finalization of construction made possible by the generosity of donors who contributed nearly $19 million for the project.
The ceremony, held at 11 a.m., was attended by Faulkner leadership, faculty, staff, students, and special guests from local, county, and state organizations. Several key donors were also present to show their continued support for the College’s growth and its positive impact on the community.
“It is my distinct honor and privilege to hereby dedicate this College of Health Sciences building to the glory of God and to serve people,” said Faulkner University President Mitch Henry. “This building has two primary purposes: to provide healthcare education and to offer free, student-assisted clinical therapy through our Faulkner University Center for Therapy and Research. To date, our clinic has provided over 39,000 free appointments.”
The College of Health Sciences traces its origins to a vision from former Faulkner President Mike Williams and his wife, Lisa, whose son was diagnosed with autism. The Williams family, committed to raising awareness and assisting other families with autistic children, reached out to Texas Tech University’s Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research for help in establishing a similar center in Montgomery. In 2017, Williams announced plans to create an autism center on campus, laying the foundation for what would later become the College of Health Sciences.
Today, the College offers programs in Nursing, which begins in the fall, Speech-Language Pathology, Physician Assistant Studies, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and online Ph.D. and Doctor of Health Sciences degrees. The College of Health Sciences building is located at 5445 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL, on the site of the former Montgomery East Plaza Shopping Center. The property spans 151,000 square feet of storefront space across 13 acres of land. Construction, which began in 2020, was completed in September 2024 by Marshall Design-Build LLC.
Dr. Cassie Boyd, newly appointed Dean of the College of Health Sciences, emphasized the collective effort involved in the project. “This moment is a testament to the dedication and unwavering support of so many individuals and organizations,” Boyd said. “Our commitment to academic excellence positions us to make a significant impact in the healthcare field. Christian education in healthcare is about more than knowledge—it’s about nurturing the whole person, mind, body, and spirit.”
“In a world where healthcare is increasingly complex and challenging, the need for ethical, compassionate and spiritually grounded professionals has never been greater,” she added. “At Faulkner, we are dedicated to preparing our students to meet these challenges head on, equipping them with the skills and moral compass to make a difference.”
The development of the new facility occurred in three phases. Phase I included classrooms for speech-language pathology, physician assistant and physical therapy, teaching and research labs, a simulation center, a speech clinic, and faculty offices, all completed in just five months. Phase II, which began in October 2021, expanded classroom space for occupational therapy, added a student library, and developed more than 20,000 sq/ft of space for Faulkner’s Center for Therapy and Research, offering free speech services, occupational and physical therapy, and family counseling. Phase III, the final phase, included beautification of the exterior, parking areas, landscaping and a pedestrian bridge connecting the new facility with Faulkner’s main campus.
Faulkner’s acquisition of the property in June 2020 enabled substantial cost savings while positioning the College for future growth. The location’s proximity to the main campus enhances students’ ability to gain hands-on experience in the healthcare field.
“This building is not just a place for students to learn,” Henry added. “It’s a resource for the entire community, with dedicated space for services like the Autism Center and a focus on interdisciplinary learning. Faulkner University is now a leader in Christian healthcare education. This College of Health Sciences is more than just a building—it’s about the people who make it thrive: our students, faculty, staff, and patients. It’s about making a difference in the lives of those we serve.”
