Built in 1956, the Warren Featherbone Co. clothing factory in Gainesville, Georgia, was transformed by Charles Edward “Gus” Whalen Jr. in 2005 into a unique, intergenerational “communiversity.” Brenau University, an original tenant with its nursing school, acquired the entire property in 2024 and has begun renovations designed to ensure Whalen’s dream continues to thrive.
“It was my pleasure to collaborate with Gus Whalen on behalf of Brenau when he created the communiversity idea nearly two decades ago. The university’s need to grow our nursing program to meet regional demand made the collaboration a perfect fit, and it later provided an opportunity to expand occupational therapy as well,” President David L. Barnett says. “Brenau continues to be dedicated to advancing Whalen’s vision through interdisciplinary learning that melds science, technology and the arts to serve the evolving needs of the community.”
Addressing critical healthcare gaps
The Ivester College of Health Sciences continues to tackle Georgia’s healthcare shortages, particularly in nursing and occupational therapy (OT). With nearly 6,000 registered nurses and hundreds of OTs needed across Georgia annually, Brenau East provides vital hands-on experience alongside classroom instruction.
“Meeting the occupational therapy needs of our local communities provides services which some would not otherwise be able to obtain,” Charles Shadle, PPOTD, OTR/L, director of the School of Occupational Therapy, says. “This brings the added benefit of real-time educational experiences to our students to prepare them to be practitioners who creatively lead, inspire and better the lives of people in their own communities.”
This service-learning model is exemplified by Brenau’s Center for Productive Living, which offers free OT services. Similarly, the Mary Inez Grindle School of Nursing plans to upgrade simulation and skills-training labs so students are comfortable in clinical settings before their required rotations.
“The renovation of Brenau East is more than a facilities project; it’s an investment in Hall County’s healthcare future,” Troy Heidesch, DNP, director of the Mary Inez Grindle School of Nursing, says. “Georgia’s demand for nurses is outpacing the number of qualified practitioners at an alarming rate. New labs would allow us to respond with purpose; preparing highly skilled nurses within a space that mirrors the hospital setting will position our graduates to walk into practice ready, benefitting our entire community.”
Professional space for the arts
Brenau’s legacy of serving the community includes a long history of performing and visual arts. The renovation of Brenau East expands this footprint, including a dedicated archival space for the university’s extensive permanent art collection.
Renovations will also expand the presence of the university’s premier theatre and dance programs. By introducing a costume fabrication shop, Brenau returns the sound of sewing machines to a space where women stitched children’s clothing. Pamela Workman, MFA, chair of the Theatre Department, says the shop will enhance professional training.
“A renovated costume shop will enhance the professional level at which our students are trained while expanding the quality and reach of our work,” says Workman, who also serves as associate artistic director of the Gainesville Theatre Alliance. “Upgraded infrastructure, dedicated dye and craft spaces and direct access to storage will enable students and faculty to produce higher-quality work.”
The dance program expansion includes modern facilities with sprung floors to reduce injuries and spaces for dance science. These upgrades support interdisciplinary concentrations, such as Brenau Dance’s pre-OT concentration.
“Expansion allows Brenau Dance to serve more majors while simultaneously running outreach programs,” Madia Cooper-Ashirifi, Ed.D., MFA, chair of the Department of Dance, says. This spring, she was instrumental in Brenau hosting the American College Dance Association Southeast Conference for the third consecutive year. “Facilities expansion is not just about having more space; it is about providing a professional and versatile environment that allows the art form to be taught, studied, shared and created at the highest level.”
An enduring legacy
The Brenau East transformation is being fueled by initial gifts from local leaders and donors, the first of many needed to complete the building’s renovation. An early anonymous gift will help fund facility updates, while a donation from Featherbone Center, LLC, partially funded the property purchase.
“It was always the vision of Gus Whalen that the university would one day acquire the property to continue expanding educational opportunities,” LLC partner and Brenau Trustee Emeritus Philip Wilheit says.
By honoring Whalen’s vision while pioneering new frontiers in healthcare and the arts, Brenau East stands as a testament to the university’s mission of community-centered progress.
“The renovations to East Campus will further extend this commitment by strengthening Brenau’s learning environments,” James C. Eck, Ph.D., provost and vice president of academic affairs, says. “Just as importantly, these enhancements will deepen our partnerships within the community, creating goodwill, extending the university’s positive reputation, and solidifying an enduring legacy of service to and partnership with our local community.”
