Nearly 300 people gathered at the Montana State University (MSU) Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing campus in Great Falls to celebrate the opening of a new nursing education building. The event, held on October 6, featured remarks from MSU President Brock Tessman, nursing dean Sarah Shannon, donor Mark Jones, and other supporters.
The new facility is the first of five planned nursing education buildings for MSU campuses across Montana. Additional buildings in Bozeman, Billings, Kalispell, and Missoula are under construction and expected to open in 2026 and 2027. With these facilities, MSU aims to increase its annual number of bachelor’s-prepared nursing graduates by about 100 students. Currently, around 300 nurses graduate each year from MSU’s five campuses; between 70% and 80% remain in Montana after graduation.
Funding for the new infrastructure comes from a $101 million donation by Mark and Robyn Jones—founders of Goosehead Insurance—in 2021. This was the largest private gift in MSU’s history. Benefis Health System contributed two acres of land for the Great Falls building.
The two-story building spans approximately 17,000 square feet and includes three classrooms, a foundational skills room for practical training such as IV insertion, a simulation center with multiple rooms and briefing areas, as well as student-focused amenities like study rooms and an outdoor terrace. Classes began in the new space this fall.
“It is certainly a privilege to be here as we celebrate nothing less than a transformative moment in the history of our nursing college, the history of Montana State University and the history of Great Falls,” said President Tessman during his speech.
“I know that the impact of this building will go far beyond its walls. Nursing graduates who emerge from this building will care for your neighbors, your loved ones and you,” Tessman said. “MSU nursing graduates will improve health care in our community and state. These healers will touch countless lives in deeply meaningful ways with their education, compassion and expertise.”
Tessman expressed gratitude to those involved in making the project possible—including Sletten Construction; design firm Cushing-Terrel; MSU’s Planning, Design and Construction team; former MSU President Waded Cruzado; donors; and Benefis Health System. He also announced that the main entryway would be named Benefis Health System Nursing Gallery.
Other speakers included Dean Shannon; Susan Luparell, head of Great Falls’ nursing department; John Goodnow, CEO of Benefis Health System; and Montana Rep. Troy Downing.
Luparell noted that previously about 48 students graduated annually from Great Falls’ program but expects class size to grow by about 50% thanks to the new facility—addressing shortages among healthcare providers statewide.
“This building is literally alive with students,” Luparell said. She described how moving out of a basement into purpose-built space has changed both teaching methods and student experiences: “It has changed the way we teach, and it has changed the way students experience higher education. As we hoped, in this space that is specifically designed for teaching, learning and envisioning the nursing care of the future, the talents of our enthusiastic and creative faculty have been fully unleashed.”
Students shared positive feedback about their new environment. Senior Brooklyn Presta described it as lively with supportive spaces for students; senior Makala Doherty highlighted improvements to simulation training facilities; Ashlyn Hofbauer expressed gratitude at being able to use the building before graduating.
Dean Shannon said that expanding facilities aligns with MSU’s mission to serve Montanans through advanced nurse education: “Our vision is to transform the lives and improve the health of Montana’s communities, and we seek to do that through cutting-edge education, the creation of new knowledge and meaningful service,” she said. “This is the first of five buildings to be finished, and all I can say is: mission accomplished.”
She also pointed out Great Falls’ historical significance within MSU’s College of Nursing—founded there after consolidating hospital programs in 1937—and its record as a leader among MSU campuses.
Mark Jones thanked everyone involved: “This is a beautiful building, and I’m so thankful we had the chance to tour it, see all of these amazing resources and be involved in this way,” he said. “I appreciate so much the opportunity we have to be connected with all of you because you are making a difference. You make a difference every single day, and you are making a difference with your lives. Thank you and good luck.”
