University of Jamestown Opens Health Sciences & Graduate Center in Phoenix

New $7 million gift establishes research institute to elevate faculty and student opportunities

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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The University of Jamestown (UJ) has opened a new Health Sciences and Graduate Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The facility will serve as the hub for UJ's newest graduate programs in healthcare fields, integrating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and digital medicine. The grand opening was marked by the announcement of a transformational $7 million gift from Dr. Jo-Ida C. Hansen to establish the Dr. Jo-Ida C. Hansen Institute of Sponsored Programs, Innovation, and Research Excellence (InSPIRE), which will elevate research opportunities across UJ's campuses.

Why it matters

Phoenix's rapid growth has outpaced its healthcare infrastructure, creating urgent demand for skilled professionals. UJ's new facility and programs are designed to address these workforce shortages in the region, while also bringing new tools and faster, more accurate diagnoses to the local healthcare system through innovations in computational pathology and digital medicine.

The details

The new Health Sciences and Graduate Center will house UJ's Pathologists' Assistant program, a two-year on-campus program addressing the national shortage of pathology professionals, as well as the Master of Science in Computational Pathology and Digital Medicine (MSCPDM) and the Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS), both 100% online programs. The $7 million gift from Dr. Hansen will fund the development of the InSPIRE initiative, which will elevate research opportunities for faculty and students across UJ's campuses and help the university achieve a prestigious Carnegie Foundation research designation.

  • The grand opening of the Health Sciences and Graduate Center took place on January 30, 2026.
  • The inaugural cohort of 18 students in the Pathologists' Assistant program began in January 2026.

The players

University of Jamestown (UJ)

A private university founded in 1883, known for its liberal arts education and professional programs grounded in Christian values. UJ has been expanding its footprint beyond North Dakota into Arizona and globally with online programs.

Dr. Jo-Ida C. Hansen

A university trustee and internationally recognized scholar who provided a transformational $7 million gift to establish the Dr. Jo-Ida C. Hansen Institute of Sponsored Programs, Innovation, and Research Excellence (InSPIRE) at UJ.

Dr. Kerstin 'Kiki' Leuther

The inaugural Executive Director of the InSPIRE initiative, a UJ alumna with a Ph.D. in Genetics and Development and postdoctoral research experience at Stanford University.

Dr. Kristin Lefebvre

The Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Graduate Faculty at UJ, who founded the university's Ph.D. in Clinical Research program.

Kate Gallego

The Mayor of Phoenix, who spoke about the critical role UJ's new facility and programs will play in the city's future as a hub for biotechnology, life sciences, and advanced healthcare innovation.

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What they’re saying

“Research was at the core of my professional life as a professor. I hope, as intended, that the Research Institute helps faculty and students to have enhanced research opportunities.”

— Dr. Jo-Ida C. Hansen, University Trustee

“InSPIRE is designed to be a catalyst, a place where ideas move from curiosity to discovery to impact. At its core, this initiative is about people-students and faculty-who are asking important questions and deserve the tools and partnerships to pursue them.”

— Dr. Kerstin 'Kiki' Leuther, Inaugural Executive Director of InSPIRE

“These students are not content with the world as it is. They are determined to make it better. Their work reflects the very best of who we are as university rigorous, purpose-driven, and committed to advancing knowledge and character.”

— Dr. Kristin Lefebvre, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Graduate Faculty

What’s next

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The takeaway

This new Health Sciences and Graduate Center and the establishment of the InSPIRE research institute represent important next steps in UJ's commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and service, supporting students as they prepare for professional careers in high-demand healthcare fields and elevating faculty and student research opportunities across the university.