Marking a new era in Alabama healthcare, ground was broken in mid-October 2025 for the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences (ASHS) in Demopolis.
State and national leaders joined educators, healthcare professionals, philanthropists and local officials in a ceremony that many regard as a milestone for education and workforce development in rural west Alabama, according to a news release from the office of Gov. Kay Ivey.
"This school represents more than bricks and mortar," said Ivey, who boosted the school in the Legislature and its location in the state's Black Belt during her remarks at the groundbreaking. "It is a fresh potential for our young people and a milestone in addressing healthcare needs here in Alabama."
The event was held on the 10-acre campus site at 908 S. Cedar Ave. in Demopolis, next to Whitfield Regional Hospital.
Among the dignitaries in attendance was Kate Herman, CEO of New York-based Bloomberg Philanthropies, which has committed $26.4 million to ASHS as part of its $250 million initiative to launch healthcare-focused career and technical education (CTE) high schools in 10 communities across the country.
The philanthropic foundation's goal is to help alleviate the shortage of trained healthcare professionals while providing career opportunities for underserved youth.
ASHS is the only one of the 10 that is a "ground-up" project and one of just two aimed at boosting rural medicine, with the remainder of the schools going into existing facilities in more urban settings, reported Alabama Political Reporter.
"We are proud to support the bold vision of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences," said Howard Wolfson, education lead for Bloomberg Philanthropies. "By giving students access to high quality instruction and clear career pathways, ASHS will help ensure that the next generation of healthcare professionals is well equipped to meet the demands of communities across the state and the country."
Another national leader — one with Alabama roots — entered the picture in absentia in a surprise announcement, the news release noted.
Ivey said Demopolis native Dr. Selwyn Vickers has agreed to serve as special advisor of ASHS and its supporting foundation. Since 2022, Vickers has served as president and CEO of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, recognized as one of the world's leading cancer centers.
"As we take this step forward, we're building opportunity, both for young people and for the future of healthcare in Alabama," said ASHS President Dr. Jimmy Martin. "Our mission is to help students discover purpose in service, connect learning to real careers and strengthen the health of every community in our state."
Birmingham Contractor Building School's $62M First Phase
The residential campus design of the new health science school was done, in part, to draw students from across Alabama. Students will live and learn together in an environment that emphasizes hands-on training, industry-recognized certifications and direct access to both higher education and immediate healthcare careers.
With that in mind, Whitfield Regional Hospital is set to be ASHS's primary medical partner.
The new campus will be the fourth free, state-supported residential specialty school under the state's Department of Education, joining the School of Cyber Technology and Engineering in Huntsville, the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham and the Alabama School of Math and Science in Mobile.
ASHS will welcome its inaugural first-year class in August 2026 at a temporary campus at the University of West Alabama in Livingston while construction advances in Demopolis toward an opening exactly one year later.
Brasfield & Gorrie in Birmingham is the general contractor and construction manager for the new school and will work from designs provided by Caldwell Architects, located in Pensacola, Fla.
"Brasfield & Gorrie has an impeccable reputation for delivering the highest quality work on time — no matter the specifications or unexpected complications," ASHS Foundation Board President Kirk Stephens said earlier this year when the contractor was chosen for the project. "They are up to the demands of this project and the hard timelines that must be met."
Alabama Political Reporter noted that the foundation board approved a $62 million agreement with the builder for the first phase of the campus, which will include an academic structure, residential hall, dining facilities, 400-seat auditorium and a recreational building. The campus will be located on land donated and prepared for construction by the city of Demopolis.
According to the governor's office, decisions on healthcare focus areas and curricula are expected soon, paving the way for faculty and staff recruitment.
Yellowhammer News noted that applications to attend ASHS have now opened, and school officials have launched information sessions for students and parents across the state.
