Batesville, Ark.-based Lyon College received $15 million in federal funding to help open its planned dental school.
The college received the funds through the federal government's $1.2 trillion spending package signed by President Joe Biden March 23.
The college announced its plans to open the state's first dental school in 2022 to alleviate workforce shortages, with plans to begin classes in 2025.
The college recently hit a snag when its property deal fell through at the end of 2023. The college has planned to purchase property at the Heifer International complex through OneHealth Education Group, an arm of OneHealth Companies, to house its new dental and veterinary schools. Peter Goldstein, vice president of communications for Heifer International, could not say why the deal fell through, but OneHealth CEO Merritt Dake told Arkansas Business that OneHealth still planned to help Lyon College open the two schools.
Lyon College President Melissa Taverner, PhD, told Arkansas Business in December that the college is exploring other location options, but still prefers the Heifer International complex.