Leaders at the University of Nebraska have taken one step closer to changing how health care can reach rural residents. The board of regents approved designs for a new UNK-UNMC building that is going to be built in Kearney. "With this latest public/private partnership, we are showing again that big things can happen when we work together," said Walter "Ted" Carter, Jr., the president of the University of Nebraska. A facility for expanded UNMC programs in allied health, nursing and medicine, located in the heart of the state at the University of Nebraska Kearney. Students could start enrolling in fall 2025 using current buildings on campus until the new facility opens in 2026. "I think this is one of the most groundbreaking things that the university has done in the history of the institution," said Elizabeth O'Connor, a University of Nebraska regent for District 4. The UNK-UNMC Rural Health Education Building costs $95 million, incorporating $10 million from the state toward special equipment and $35 million from private donations. The need for investment is well-known; thousands in rural Nebraska do not get the same access to care as city dwellers. "We know there are disparities in health care with the rural population, increased morbidity and mortality, decreased access to health care," said Katie Schultis, a UNMC student regent. The hope is to keep program graduates here in these communities. UNK's Health Sciences Education Complex, which opened in 2015, has seen 85% of its students launch careers in rural areas. This newest facility will start construction next month. "We want to try to grow rural Nebraska, we want to grow these and keep these communities vibrant. If you don't have healthcare, you're going to close down," said another board member.Get the latest headlines from KETV NewsWatch 7