Narda Serna/THE RIDER
The UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine improved its building through a two-phase addition and renovation project, completed in August in the Clinical Education Building on the Harlingen campus.
Phase one renovated the first floor and introduced key additions, such as new food services, an expanded student lounge, a student gym and renovated offices.
Phase two renovated the second floor and introduced major developments, such as new microbiology and anatomy labs and a classroom expansion, according to the SOPM website.
Ian Salazar, school administrator for the School of Podiatric Medicine, said the renovations were to improve the student learning experience and well-being.
Phase one of the renovations began in late November 2024 and wrapped up by the end of December.
“The biggest goals were to improve the student experience, especially with the lounge … to also provide better food options … and we also had the benefit of getting more office spaces,” Salazar said. “So, we can move our student affairs team down to that first floor … to be closer to the students.”
He said the only challenge was it had to be done quickly.
“A lot of activity all at once … but it was a good challenge to have,” Salazar said. “… There wasn’t anything overwhelming or difficult about the project for us.”
Amalia Hinojosa, program coordinator for the School of Podiatric Medicine, said she felt excitement for the renovations.
“The knowledge of expanding and making … more space available for SOPM was a very positive impact for us,” Hinojosa said.
Phase two of the renovations began in February and wrapped up August.
Salazar said phase two was a much bigger project, and it was a complete redesign of the space.
“The second floor here in our building has historically always been office spaces,” he said. “[The contractors] took office space and completely demolished it down to the floor and built two brand new labs. They also redesigned a classroom to expand it significantly and be able to hold more students and did a huge audiovisual upgrade to it.”
The school administrator said a larger project and heavy construction comes with challenges.
“Scheduling around student exams and courses … and coordinating a functioning school with a heavy duty construction environment, it’s been quite a road,” Salazar said.
He said the renovations have had an immediate impact.
“[The students] have to look at X-rays as part of their education and this fancy LED screen has incredible color and clarity,” Salazar said.
Hinojosa said the most noticeable change to the faculty is that every member has a private office.
Simon Barker, a doctoral podiatric medicine student, said it is a better environment to be around.
“It just lets you have more time because you don’t have to travel to go to the gym or drive to go get food,” Baker said. “We can be here studying late at night, and we can eat food from the [market].”
Salazar added the renovation is “pivotal” in creating the next generation of “great podiatrists.”
