University of Arkansas growth forces health center expansion

The student body at the University of Arkansas has grown by more than 50 percent since 2004, prompting a 20,000-square-foot expansion of the campus health center that is slated to break ground Monday.

While the expansion of the Pat Walker Health Center will be a big help to students and faculty, there is a downside: Construction of the new classroom space will eliminate parking for patients. Patients may instead use paid parking in the Garland Garage or along Maple Avenue or student permit lots.

Mary Alice Serafini, associate vice chancellor for student affairs and executive director of the health center, said the additional space is necessary to meet demands.

“The expanded facility will further extend the reach of the health center by offering more comprehensive and efficient access to services and programs designed to help students stay healthy and maximize their academic potential,” Serafini said.