Bushnell University acquires two PeaceHealth buildings for health program expansion in Eugene

Bushnell University announced the purchase of two former PeaceHealth hospital buildings in Eugene's University District to significantly expand its College of Health Professions. The acquisition, totaling approximately 125,000 square feet, will double the college's current academic space and enable the university to increase enrollment in nursing and clinical mental health counseling programs. The buildings include PeaceHealth's behavioral health unit and the existing nursing school facility, with plans to repurpose the space for labs, clinics, and community health services. This expansion addresses the critical shortage of healthcare workers in Lane County by preparing more graduates who often remain locally employed. University President Joseph Womack described the purchase as "10-plus years of our future development" and expects to finalize the deal by the end of September 2025. The move follows PeaceHealth's phased closure of the University District hospital, which ceased emergency services in late 2023 and planned the property sale earlier this year.