In fall 2013, Wingate University's then-President Jerry McGee approached local governments for a solution to house its rapidly growing Hendersonville programs.

• Position: PROFILE

In fall 2013, Wingate University's then-President Jerry McGee approached local governments for a solution to house its rapidly growing Hendersonville programs. The school, which has its main campus 140 miles east in Union County, had outgrown the space leased in two downtown buildings. While McGee retired last year, the plan he set in motion is taking shape. In July, the first phase of a $35 million Health Sciences Center will open, with classrooms and labs large enough to accommodate 400 students and faculty. Future pharmacists, physician assistants and MBA grads from Wingate will work alongside students from Blue Ridge Community College studying nursing, surgical technology and phlebotomy. Also...