Here at the University of Texas at Arlington sits Pickard Hall. It may seem like just another building. However Pickard Hall has a history as rich as any classroom lesson.
Pickard Hall first opened in 1982. It was originally named the Nursing and Math Building. The building’s unique triangular shape makes it stand out on campus.
Inside Pickard Hall there are 154000 square feet of space. This space is dedicated to mathematics and nursing classes. Many resources are available for math students here. These include the Learning Resource Center Computer Lab and Math Clinic.
But that’s not all that makes Pickard Hall special. Go up to the fourth floor. Here you will find an open-air courtyard. It is called Pythagorean Plaza. Students and faculty come here. They study or connect with others.
In 1995, the building got a new name. It became Pickard Hall. This was to honor Dr. Myrna Pickard. She was the founding dean of the Nursing School. Her leadership shaped the nursing program.
Pickard Hall is more than classrooms and labs. The College of Nursing opened the Smart Hospital here in 2005. It was a virtual emergency department. Students could train using manikins. They could simulate patient conditions. It was the first department of its kind.
The Smart Hospital later moved to a larger facility in 2007. But its origins remain in Pickard Hall. It was here that the idea of simulation-based education took hold.
Today Pickard Hall continues to serve students. It provides space for learning and collaboration. The building stands as a testament. It is a testament to the university’s commitment. It shows the commitment to both mathematics and nursing education.
Pickard Hall is a place where students pursue their dreams. They become mathematicians and nurses. They learn the skills to make a difference in the world. The unique design of the building fosters creativity. Its open spaces encourage interaction. The building is a hub of activity. It helps the university grow.
So next time you pass Pickard Hall take a moment. Think about the history within its walls. Think about the students who have walked its halls. Think about the faculty who have taught there. Pickard Hall is more than just a building. It represents the spirit of education. It embodies the pursuit of knowledge.