New Facilities

The voters of Southwest Iowa gave resounding approval to a $22 million bond referendum during a special election, paving the way for dramatic changes to the campus in Council Bluffs. The bond referendum will help fund construction of a new Nursing Center of Excellence, complete with state-of-the-art simulator labs, and expanded classrooms for the college’s Surgical Technology, Medical Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs.

In addition, the college will break ground soon on a new Student Center and Library, a two-story, 71,000-square foot facility featuring a cyber cafe, bookstore, a main cafeteria and additional classrooms for the growing Culinary Arts Program.

Iowa Western also unveiled the new Kanesville arena renovation project in the Fall 2007, ushering in an exciting period for Reiver Athletics. The 28,000 square foot expansion is home to the coaches’ offices, customized locker rooms, a Hall of Fame room, aerobics area, fitness center and a strength training room. Another highlight to the Kanesville renovation project is the new physical therapy treatment and hydro area, which is home to the growing Sports Medicine and Athletic Training program.

Finally, construction is also underway at the Reiver Suites. Over 800 students currently live on campus, but the expansions will provide housing for over 900 students in fall 2009 and well over 1000 students in fall 2010. The Reiver Suites housing complex features individual bedrooms for each resident, a community building complete with a game room and laundry facilities, and a spacious courtyard area.