PTC's new Wellness Room takes shape

Not only is Pine Technical College’s landscape changing as the college is in the midst of several construction projects, but the college's interior also is changing to accommodate growth. Over the past few years, the college has experienced growth in enrollment, an increase of staff and faculty members, and growth in the variety of programs available to students and services available to students and the community.

“We’re seeing the investment in our future take shape, and at the moment, that translates to a handful of structural changes,” says President Robert Musgrove, Ph.D. “Our master plan includes a focus on using the space available to meet the needs of our community and our growing student population,” Musgrove explains.

Part of the changes on campus include accommodating the ever-growing Nursing Department and incorporating an all-new Wellness Room into the college's plans.

“We’re very excited to bring the Wellness Room to PTC. It will serve as a place of peace for students as they move through the ups and downs of college life,” says Director of Nursing, Krista Hoekstra. “For example, it will be a calm and inviting place where students are able to meditate. Also, it will serve as a more private place for breastfeeding mothers on campus. We want our students to relieve stress and discover a healthier and more balanced way of living while remaining efficient and productive,” Hoekstra explains.

Construction of the Wellness Room is funded through a recent federal health training grant the college was awarded in Oct. 2011. The room is located between the Employment and Training Center and the Nursing staff offices. The Wellness Room remains unlocked during all campus hours and is available to all students, staff and faculty. Uses for the room may include (but are not limited to):

• Mediation
• Prayer
• Lactation
• Medical Administrations
• Quiet Time

Photo at top of page: The inside of the new Wellness Room was designed to provide students with a high level of privacy and comfort.

Photo above: To see what it's all about, student Aaron Kohner peeks into the new Wellness Room.