Introducing the Baustert Bahwell Health Technology Center
In 2026, construction will begin on NIU’s Baustert Bahwell Health Technology Center, uniting health-related programs and experts across the university – including nursing, public health, audiology, biomedical engineering and anatomy among other disciplines – to catalyze learning, service and research for students and faculty.
NIU announced a $40 million gift from the JTB Family Foundation, the largest single gift in the university's history, to directly support the development of the center as NIU's future home for health professions education and transdisciplinary research. This center is named on behalf of the family of the foundation, James and Theo (Bahwell) Baustert.
“This historic gift allows NIU to realize fully our vision of ‘building for a healthier tomorrow’ by creating a modern space designed to foster innovation, transdisciplinary collaboration and interprofessional practice, and will enable our students and faculty to deliver on the promise of healthcare technology to improve patient care and health outcomes.”
About the Center
Adapting to a Dynamic Healthcare Landscape
With a dynamic healthcare landscape, marked by advancements in technology, changes in healthcare policies and shifting demographics, NIU will increase our capabilities as we equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate this ever-changing environment.
State-of-the-Art Learning Environment
The center will create an environment that ensures students have access to the latest medical technologies, treatment modalities and health management systems that are essential for their development and transition to professional practice where they will make meaningful contributions to the communities they serve.
Enhanced Practical Experiences
Expanded simulation exercises, clinical rotations, and internships will provide students with practical experiences to apply theoretical knowledge. Emphasizing cultural humility, patient values, and ethical decision-making will equip students to deliver inclusive, patient-centered care, improving health outcomes and satisfaction.
Cutting-Edge Facilities
The facility will be outfitted with the newest technologies to deliver an enhanced approach to curriculum, along with specialized laboratories and flexible learning, study and collaboration spaces, all designed to improve the preparation of future clinicians and professionals and ultimately the health and wellbeing of individuals and families in our region.
Key Features
Community Healthcare Clinics
These clinics will serve as a one-stop community health resource for audiology, physical therapy and speech-language pathology. They will include consultation and exam rooms, therapy and treatment spaces and allow for future expanded programming.
Research, Teaching and Innovation Spaces
These spaces will feature the most up-to-date laboratory, research and simulation facilities. They will include wet teaching labs, flexible research space, a virtual anatomy lab, simulation spaces, a health assessment lab, a bedside skills lab and a computational research suite.
Student and Faculty Spaces
In these areas, ideas will be exchanged, guidance will be shared and collaboration will be fostered. They will include study and breakout spaces, a student lounge, a grab-and-go café, and a faculty and dean's suite.
Modern and Flexible Learning Spaces
These spaces will ensure student learning soars. They will include seminar rooms, medium-sized classrooms for 35 to 70 students, larger classrooms for up to 150 students and lecture and event spaces.
Location and Timeline
The Baustert Bahwell Health Technology Center will be a steppingstone from NIU's main campus to the west campus and will be built at the northwest corner of Lucinda Avenue and Annie Glidden Road, the current location of Lincoln Residence Hall.
The NIU Foundation
The NIU Foundation’s mission is to energize and connect the private sector – individuals, corporations, and foundations – with the NIU community to secure and steward resources that support the future and growth of NIU. The NIU Foundation is the recipient of the Baustert gift and partners with the university to fund projects across the university, including the programmatic and facility development of the Baustert Bahwell Health Technology Center.
For more information about the NIU Foundation, please contact Michael Daigler, associate vice president and chief operations officer, at mdaigler@niu.edu.