Project will expand Southeastern Louisiana University’s sports medicine capabilities with modern treatment and training facilities

Construction is officially underway on the new North Oaks Health System Academic & Athletic Complex in Hammond, Louisiana, following a recent groundbreaking ceremony hosted by Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU) and North Oaks Health System.

The project represents a significant investment in student-athlete healthcare and academic programming at SLU. Plans include the renovation of the 27,890-square-foot, two-story Dugas Center, as well as the construction of a two-story addition that will expand the building’s overall footprint and functionality.

Once completed, the enhanced complex will serve as a key hub for the university’s sports medicine program, supporting both athletic performance and academic research in health sciences. “This facility will not only advance how we care for our student-athletes but also enhance the educational experience for students pursuing careers in sports medicine and health-related fields,” university officials stated during the groundbreaking.

The new addition will include a state-of-the-art treatment room, designed to accommodate cutting-edge therapeutic technologies, as well as multiple classrooms to support the university’s growing academic programs in athletic training and kinesiology. An amphitheater for presentations and seminars will also be constructed, creating a collaborative environment for students, faculty, and medical professionals.

“This partnership between Southeastern Louisiana University and North Oaks Health System is a shining example of how healthcare and education can come together to serve a broader mission,” said representatives from North Oaks.

The development underscores a growing trend in higher education to pair athletic infrastructure with academic advancements, particularly in health-related disciplines. With this expansion, SLU aims to become a regional leader in sports medicine education and athlete rehabilitation.

Completion of the Academic & Athletic Complex is expected in late 2026, with construction proceeding in phases to minimize disruption to current athletic and academic activities. The project also supports broader economic development goals in the Hammond region by fostering health education and community partnerships.

Originally reported by Tracey Walker in Health Care Design.