The Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation has announced a $2 million gift to Berry College in Mount Berry, Georgia, to fund the construction of a health sciences building.

The grant will enable the college and foundation to collaborate on ways to address disparities in health and access to healthcare providers. When completed, the Morgan-Bailey Hall, a 36,000-square-foot academic space, will include two nursing skills classrooms, a large physician associate classroom/skills laboratory, an advanced simulation suite, a simulated operating room, a physical assessment laboratory, five other classrooms, and various exam rooms and discussion spaces. The space will accommodate 80 physician associate students and 160 nursing students with an additional residential floor for student housing.

Beginning in August 2025, Berry college’s Master of Medical Science Physician Associate (PA) degree will enroll 40 students per semester, for an annual enrollment of 80 students. PAs help expand access to care by supporting and extending the work of physicians.

“What a privilege it is to make this significant investment in Berry College, future students, and the health and well-being of our communities,” said Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation chair Mary Helen Heaner. “Our foundation was established to make a difference. This partnership will improve lives, open doors to opportunities, and ultimately make our community healthier, both physically and economically.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/andresr)