Utah’s newest medical school celebrates construction milestone

​PROVO, Utah, December 15, 2021 — The Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine (Noorda-COM) today marked a milestone in the construction of its new academic building in Provo with a traditional “topping off” ceremony celebrating the placement of the final steel beam on the structure. 
 
A gathering of Noorda-COM founders, board members, leadership, students, and benefactors, along with community leaders, medical partners, construction and architect teams, participated in a brief program that culminated with a crane lifting the final steel beam into place. In the days leading up to the event, the beam was signed by hundreds of people with interest in the project, including members of the inaugural class of 90 medical students. 
 
“This is a celebration for us all and would not be possible if it were not for the incredible support and vision of our founders, benefactors, community partners, and dedicated campus leadership,” said Norm Wright, interim president of Noorda-COM. “As I look at the steel frame of this building, it is symbolic of the strength and determination of so many who believe passionately in the impact the Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine will have – not only for the medical school and our students, but for this community and state.”
 
The topping off ceremony is a time-honored tradition in construction projects. It is not only adorned with signatures, but with an evergreen tree and American flag. The symbolism of the evergreen goes back many centuries and is said to represent a safe job well done with no fatalities, good fortune throughout the life of the building, and blessings for the building to stand forever. 
 
Having spent the last 26 years in medical education, Dr. John Dougherty, founding dean and chief academic officer, has envisioned this building and what it will mean for medical education in the future. 
 
“This new building has been designed to be a home for generations of medical students to come who will go on to meet the ever-changing needs of the patients they will serve,” Dougherty said. “In this building, we will transform medical education and provide our student doctors with the tools and resources needed for them to become empathetic and compassionate physicians.”
 
Estimated at $57 million, the four-story, 140,000-sqare-foot academic building is situated on a 30-acre campus located off I-15 and Lakeview Parkway in South Provo. The building is expected to open in Summer 2023. 
 
About Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine
Located in Provo, Utah, Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine (Noorda-COM) offers an innovative and unique approach to medical education. Noorda-COM provides 21st-century medical students a curricular model blending active, small group learning with advanced laboratory experiences and research opportunities while also emphasizing school and life balance with a commitment to health and wellness. Noorda-COM focuses on preparing future residency-ready physicians committed to providing patient-centered healthcare. Noorda-COM is a private, proprietary institution. An independent governing Board of Trustees oversees Noorda-COM. The Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation granted Noorda-COM Pre-Accreditation status in December 2020. For more information, visit noordacom.org.

​I'm pleased to see Stephen Whyte has joined RMU. He is a rock star! He's not only a great friend, but a new colleague in the Utah House of Representatives where he was recently elected by the delegates in his area. -Cory

​Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) has appointed Stephen L. Whyte as the new Vice President of Communications, Marketing & Enrollment effective December 1, 2021.

“We are very blessed to have Stephen join the RMUoHP family,” said Founding President/CEO Richard P. Nielsen, PT, DHSc, ECS. “His extensive academic background and national communication expertise will further help position RMUoHP as a national leader in healthcare education. The respect he has earned from the business, professional, higher education, and political arenas across the state will be an incredible addition as we work to fulfill the university’s mission and vision.”
 
“Healthcare is one of the most pressing needs and opportunities in society today. The demand to educate the next generation of medical professionals has never been greater,” said Whyte. “I am honored to be given the opportunity to join the talented team of professionals at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. RMUoHP’s successful track record is transforming the healthcare industry by effectively educating our future healthcare providers. I look forward to working with the university’s visionary team to bring increased visibility to this dynamic institution and the outstanding students, talented faculty and staff, and wonderful programs that are the heart of RMUoHP.”
 
Whyte’s experience in strategic communication has been valuable in delivering effective leadership and enrollment expertise in higher education and business for over two decades.
In his prior roles at Utah Valley University, the state’s largest public university, he oversaw the university’s communication, marketing, government and community relations as Associate Vice President of University Relations and University Marketing & Communications. He was also a tenured public relations professor and undergraduate academic public relations program coordinator leading the program to national acclaim. 
 
“Hiring Stephen Whyte is a game changer for RMUoHP,” said Cameron Martin, PhD, RMUoHP Vice President of Operations and Chief of Staff. “He is an incredibly talented leader who will help elevate RMUoHP’s impact in our community and national influence as a premier graduate healthcare higher education institution.”
 
Whyte complements his academic experience with extensive corporate communications experience, with previous positions in New York City and Washington, DC. Additionally, he was recently elected to serve in the Utah House of Representatives.
 
Whyte earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in business management and a master’s degree in public administration from Brigham Young University. He and his wife Roxane have five children.
 
About Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
Founded in 1998 and located in Provo, Utah, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, an institutional accrediting commission recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. RMUoHP offers high-quality, evidence-based, and outcomes-oriented healthcare programs.  www.rm.edu