Jersey City, N.J. – April 15, 2025 – Saint Peter’s University is proud to announce it is modernizing Pope Hall to enhance its nursing and health science programs by providing students with state-of-the-art learning facilities. This ambitious project focuses on the renovation of Pope Hall, significantly enhancing the university’s capacity to prepare students for careers in critical healthcare fields.
Currently underway, the initial phase of the renovation reimagines 12,000 square feet of space in Pope Hall, nearly doubling the capacity for its nursing programs. Built in 1969, Pope Hall is a well-maintained, four-story concrete academic building that has long served as a cornerstone of Saint Peter’s campus. The modernization effort will preserve the building’s historical character while integrating cutting-edge resources for student learning and collaboration.
“This announcement marks an important first step in expanding Saint Peter’s footprint in health sciences education,” said Hubert Benitez, D.D.S., Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s University. “We are committed to addressing the critical demand for skilled healthcare professionals by providing students with access to top-tier educational resources and facilities. This renovation ensures our students receive the hands-on training and interdisciplinary education needed to excel in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.”
Once completed, the transformed space will feature state-of-the-art nursing and exercise science rooms, three flexible learning spaces and modern seminar rooms. The design incorporates advanced interactive technology, including a virtual reality simulation lab, which will offer students the opportunity to wear headsets to step into a virtual exam bay with a patient. They will be able to practice professional patient interaction, assessment and care while also gaining clinical, in-person patient care training hours.
Additional renovations to the space include improved environmental systems and internal glass walls to create an open and engaging learning environment. A central student commons will further support collaboration and foster a sense of community among students and faculty.
The newly upgraded space is set to open for the spring semester of 2026. Saint Peter’s University is also in the developmental phases of establishing a social work and a physician’s assistant program.
Learn more about how Saint Peter’s is investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals.
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For more than 150 years Saint Peter’s University, inspired by its Jesuit, Catholic identity, commitment to individual attention and grounding in the liberal arts, educates a diverse community of learners in undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional programs to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in our ever-changing urban and global environment. To learn more, please visit www.saintpeters.edu.
Media Contact
Angeline Boyer
aboyer1@saintpeters.edu
(201) 761-6238