FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Sept. 27, 2024) – Local and regional leaders gathered in Fort Wayne today to celebrate the grand opening of the region’s newest READI 1.0 investment, Trine University’s new Dr. Earl D. and Melanie N. Brooks College of Health Professions building. The state-of-the-art facility, which was dedicated today, will expand the university’s and the region’s capacity to meet healthcare needs and develop a skilled pipeline of healthcare workers for years to come. 

Governor Eric J. Holcomb established the $1.25 billion READI program in 2021, and it has since been nationally recognized for its success. READI 1.0 was established with an initial $500 million in partnership with the Indiana General Assembly and is bringing vibrancy to regions across the state to accelerate shovel-ready projects and programs that will transform Hoosier communities, attract talent and improve quality of life.  

“Healthcare is a key foundational component of one's quality of life, and because of Indiana’s READI program, we’re fueling the next generation of care providers while ensuring more Hoosiers have access to the support they need now,” said Gov. Holcomb. “Indiana’s education institutions, like Trine University, are stepping up and developing Indiana’s talent pipeline.  This new building will significantly help increase their ability to serve Hoosier students of today and leaders of tomorrow.” 

In Fort Wayne, the $42.5 million public-private investment (including a $4 million READI 1.0 allocation) has resulted in a new 110,000-square-foot facility on approximately 10 acres on the north side of Union Chapel Road near Interstate 69. The building features state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories; student support resources, such as a library, gathering area, and academic and counseling services; as well as an innovative Simulated Patient Care Center (SimCenter) with mock surgery, emergency room, exam and patient rooms. 

The building is expected to eventually employ 100 faculty and staff and serve nearly 700 students in Trine’s Brooks College of Health Professions, which includes physical therapy, physician assistant, occupational therapy, nursing and surgical technology programs. The dedicated space will also allow Trine to add new programs. The new building will support the region’s quality of life by enlarging the pool of trained healthcare providers and increasing Hoosiers’ access to localized quality care.  

“We are grateful for the support received through the READI program as we equip Trine students to help meet the growing healthcare needs of this region,” said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine University president. “This investment will reap many dividends as Trine graduates work and live in the area, not only improving healthcare but the overall quality of life as they serve in their communities.” 

READI 1.0 has awarded $487 million to 353 unique projects and programs across the state, yielding $12.6 billion invested (26:1 investment leverage ratio) in quality of life, quality of place and quality of opportunity initiatives. READI 2.0, which was part of Gov. Holcomb’s 2023 Next Level Agenda and secured additional funding awarded by the Lilly Endowment, is allocating another $750 million to accelerate community development investments statewide. This funding is expected to attract a minimum 4:1 match of local public and private funding, yielding at least $3 billion invested to increase the vibrancy and prosperity of Hoosier communities.   

Fort Wayne is part of the READI Northeast region – led by the Northeast Indiana RDA – that was awarded $95 million in READI 1.0 and READI 2.0 matching funds to support quality of life, quality of place and quality of opportunity projects across the 11-county region. The region’s READI investments are designed to accelerate the region’s trajectory as an innovative, vibrant and winning region by growing hardtech and medtech industry leadership, fostering creative sector innovation, and supporting population growth through infrastructure, housing, childcare, education innovation, community connectivity and cultural vibrancy.  

Learn more at IndianaREADI.com.

*PHOTO Credit: Dean Orewiler, Trine University

About IEDC
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) is charged with growing the State economy, driving economic development, and helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state. Governed by a 14-member board chaired by Governor Eric J. Holcomb, the IEDC manages many initiatives, including performance-based tax credits, workforce training grants, innovation and entrepreneurship resources, public infrastructure assistance, and talent attraction and retention efforts. For more information about the IEDC, visit iedc.in.gov.

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Media Contact: 
Nathan Brown (IEDC) – 317.586.1096 or nabrown1@iedc.in.gov