Keith Center Extends Westmont’s Presence in Downtown Santa Barbara

The new 75-seat chapel at Westmont Downtown | Keith Center has already hosted two lectures for Westmont Downtown, the long-running program featuring faculty speakers at locations in Santa Barbara. With the renovation complete at this second college building on Anapamu Street, the lecture series has found a permanent home.

Other Westmont programs operate out of the Keith Center, including some serving the local community. Westmont Grotenhuis Nursing now occupies space there, training nurses to meet the shortage of these vital healthcare workers in Southern California. Additional post-secondary allied health programs under development will use the facilities once they gain approval.

At the Keith Center, the Center for Technology, Creativity and Moral Imagination (TCMI) equips students with skills at the intersection of technology and creativity so they can make informed decisions about ethical issues surrounding rapid developments such as artificial intelligence (AI). The strategic location offers easy access to businesses, local government, start-up hubs and more.

Students participating in the post-baccalaureate Certificate in Theological Leadership will gather at the Keith Center for sessions in person during the yearlong hybrid program, which also includes an online component. See the related story on page 10.

The outdoor patio offers a space to gather or take a break from classes and other activities. The new facilities will provide welcome space for a variety of programs and increase the college’s visibility and participation in the local community.

“Transforming this building allows us to expand our Westmont | Grotenhuis Nursing program and create other graduate and professional offerings that meet the local community’s growing needs,” says President Gayle D. Beebe.