PROCTORVILLE — Efforts to make all Ohio University Southern locations family friendly, an initiative which started last year, continued with the recent opening  of a new, dedicated lactation room at the Ohio University Proctorville Center. The space was designed to add a comfortable, private and quite space for nursing mothers.

Dean Dr. Nicole Pennington worked with Proctorville Center Director Stephanie Burcham to identify space after recognizing the need to provide new moms a private and comfortable location to pump or breastfeed.

Pennington, a non-traditional student herself while finishing her education as a new mother, identifies with the issues that new moms face while pursuing their education.

“I understand that many of our students are trying to balance families and jobs while they pursue their education,” Pennington said. “We are always looking for ways to make our campus family-friendly so that we can support students.”

Burcham notes that the new lactation room not only benefits students but also the community members who utilize the Proctorville Center regularly for meetings and events.

“We are always on the lookout for ways to make our visitors feel welcome at the Proctorville Center.” Burcham said. “Whether a student or a participant at a meeting, it’s the little things that mean so much to those spending their time with us.”