SmithGroup Celebrates Opening of UNC College of Osteopathic Medicine

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) celebrated the official opening of its new College of Osteopathic Medicine, a historic milestone that expands the university’s impact on medical education and strengthens the future of physician training across Colorado. The college will welcome its inaugural class in the 2026-27 academic year, marking a new era for UNC and the launch of its first postgraduate medical programs.

SmithGroup joined university leaders, community partners and state officials to celebrate the opening of the facility, which was designed to support the next generation of osteopathic physicians through innovative, student-focused learning environments. The project was delivered by a Design-Build team including SmithGroup, Adolfson & Peterson Construction and architectural partner Dekker.

The building integrates specialized laboratories, simulation and skills-training environments, active learning classrooms and collaborative student spaces within a highly sustainable facility powered in part by a geothermal heating and cooling system. Thoughtfully designed to support both learning and wellbeing, it also features welcoming gathering spaces, integrated public art and strong connections to the campus and surrounding community.

This new addition to UNC's campus represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare across Colorado, creating opportunities to educate future physicians, address workforce needs and expand access to high-quality care throughout the region.