Moran Joins HutchCC for Davis Hall Ribbon Cutting, Boosting Healthcare Workforce

The ribbon cutting at Hutchinson Community College's Davis Hall marked more than the reopening of a building - it celebrated a long-term investment in the future of healthcare across Reno County and Kansas.

“Good morning everyone,” President Tricia Paramore began. “On behalf of our students, staff, faculty and Board of Trustees, I am excited to welcome you to Davis Hall. They say that the strength of a college isn’t just in the bricks and mortar, but in the vision of what happens inside those walls.” She paused before adding the purpose of the day: “Today, we aren’t just opening a building; we’re investing in the future of the healthcare workforce for Hutchinson, Reno County and the state of Kansas.”

From there, Paramore framed the moment as the culmination of a three-phase vision to expand healthcare education and strengthen the workforce pipeline. What began with upgraded simulation labs and expanded nursing capacity has now come full circle with modernized student spaces and a state-of-the-art radiology lab.

“This is the final piece of a three-phase project,” she said, reflecting on the journey. “To our students, this is for you… for the ‘aha’ moments, the friendships, and the community that defines Blue Dragons.” 

The renovation represents more than updated classrooms - it directly addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing Kansas: the shortage of healthcare professionals. That theme was echoed by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, who joined the celebration and helped secure federal funding for the project.

“There is not a place in Kansas where you don’t hear the same thing - ‘we can’t find people to work,’” Moran said. “The core of improving healthcare access is increasing workforce training.” 

Moran emphasized that investments like Davis Hall are critical not just for education, but for sustaining entire communities. Without trained healthcare workers, he noted, towns risk losing hospitals, families, and long-term stability.

The event carried a sense of gratitude as well. Paramore thanked faculty who adapted during construction, community partners like Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, and Moran for helping bring the vision to life.

With remarks complete, the tone shifted from reflection to celebration. Community leaders, college officials, and partners gathered with oversized scissors in hand. After a brief countdown, the ribbon was cut - marking the official opening of the renovated space and a new chapter for healthcare training in the region.

Laughter followed the ceremonial snip, along with a lighthearted remark about the precision of the cut - fitting for a facility designed to train future medical professionals.

Guests were then invited to tour Davis Hall, walking through updated classrooms, collaborative spaces, and the new radiology lab. The tour offered a firsthand look at how the investment will shape student learning - preparing the next generation of nurses, technicians, and healthcare providers to serve communities across Kansas.