In the News
USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small Visits Muskingum University
Muskingum University President Susan S. Hasseler hosted United States Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small and State Director Jonathan McCracken, Rural Development Ohio, on Tuesday, Aug. 16.
Torres’ visit included a tour of the Henry D. Bullock Health and Wellness Complex, which received a $28 million Community Facilities Direct Loan for construction of the facility.
“I am thrilled to see this facility and the investment Muskingum has put into this project, and the way it has collaborated with the community,” said Torres Small. “The fact that Rural Development gets to be a partner in this facility is an honor.”
Annually, USDA Rural Development Ohio invests approximately $800 million in essential community infrastructure. These types of investments are key in ensuring that rural areas enjoy the same basic quality of life and services enjoyed by those in urban areas.
“I saw how this facility is a bridge in a lot of ways. It connects the needs of the students with the history of the location. It also connects athletics and academics and the importance of both,” said Torres Small. “Finally, it is a bridge connecting Muskingum with the community providing new connections for the community.”
The Bullock Complex dramatically expands and enhances facilities to support academic programs, athletics, recreation, and well-being. The enhanced facilities of this transformative complex will be a dynamic space for Muskies to cheer on their teams and will host programming for the health sciences, recreation and community well-being.
“I want to thank Under Secretary Torres Small and State Director Jonathan McCracken for their continued advocacy and support for the development of this region,” said Hasseler. “Thanks to the support of the USDA, Alumnus and Trustee Emeritus Henry D. Bullock, and many wonderful alumni and friends, we were able to move this transformational project from vision to reality.”
Muskingum University will host a grand opening of the Bullock Complex on Sept. 17 at 11 a.m., which is during Muskingum’s 100th Homecoming. The grand opening will be followed by an open house allowing alumni and community members an opportunity to tour the facility. To learn more about the Bullock Complex, visit https://www.muskingum.edu/bhwc.
