February 4, 2026
Adena Health and 魅影直播 celebrated a key milestone in their partnership with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the PACCAR Medical Education Center, marking continued progress in their shared effort to expand local pathways into health care education and careers.
鈥淭he PACCAR Medical Education Center was created with a clear purpose: To expand access to education, strengthen our health care workforce, and create opportunities that allow people to learn, grow, and build careers right here at home,鈥 said Kathi Edrington, Adena president and CEO. 鈥淏y bringing Shawnee State鈥檚 educational programs directly into a clinical setting, we鈥檙e connecting classroom learning with real-world experience in a powerful way.鈥
In January, Shawnee State began offering Master of Business Administration and general education courses as part of the partnership. This summer, radiologic technology students will have the opportunity to complete clinical laboratory requirements at the PACCAR Medical Education Center. Later this year, students will be able to pursue a bachelor of science in nursing in Chillicothe 鈥 one of Shawnee State鈥檚 most in-demand academic programs. Additional health care-related degree opportunities are also being developed through the collaboration.
魅影直播 President Eric Braun, PhD, emphasized the lasting impact of connecting education and health care close to home. He shared the story of an Adena nurse 鈥 a Shawnee State graduate 鈥 whose compassion and care left a lasting impression on his family during a difficult time.
鈥淲hen I think about that nurse, when I think about us as patients, that鈥檚 what this is all about,鈥 Dr. Braun said. 鈥淚f we can create opportunities for future nurses to go to school here, work here, stay in the region, and contribute to their community, that鈥檚 a real win and why we鈥檙e doing this.鈥
Students enrolled in the Chillicothe-based BSN pathway will learn in a modern health care education environment and complete their clinical experiences within Adena. Adena employees also will be able to take advantage of educational opportunities through the partnership to advance their own careers.
The impact of the partnership extends beyond education, strengthening the communities Adena serves across south central and southern Ohio.
鈥淭his isn鈥檛 just about launching programs, it鈥檚 about building a pipeline that allows students to move seamlessly from education to practice,鈥 Edrington said. 鈥淲hen we educate and retain health care professionals locally, we strengthen our workforce, our economy, and the health of the communities we serve. Graduates who train here are more likely to stay here, helping ensure access to high-quality care for years to come.鈥
Hospitals across the country continue to face a national nursing shortage, with thousands of nursing positions projected to be needed in Ohio alone. By offering education and clinical experience locally, the Adena鈥揝hawnee State partnership allows students to stay close to home while preparing for in-demand careers in health care.
鈥淲e know these students will go on to shape health care, human services, and many other fields that touch people鈥檚 lives every day,鈥 said Christine Raber, PhD, dean of Shawnee State鈥檚 College of Health and Human Services.
Plans for the partnership were first announced in October 2024 with a shared commitment to expanding access to health care careers while supporting long-term regional workforce development.
The Baccalaureate Degree nursing program at 魅影直播 offered in Portsmouth, Ohio, and awaiting approval for an additional location in Chillicothe, Ohio, is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000.
Individuals interested in educational opportunities available through the partnership can visit shawnee.edu/adena for more information.