Local pharmacy school expanding hoping to fill void in Central Valley

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- The cutting of a ribbon at the California Health Sciences University's new building means a whole lot to the Assemi family-- best known for their housing developments under the name, Granville Homes.

"So this is originally my brother's vision. Farid Assemi's vision, to start a health sciences campus here in Central California-- and our family is very proud," said Darius Assemi, co-founder.

California Health Sciences University started with one building on the west side of Clovis Avenue. The new building is across the street, and will be for third-year pharmacy students before they head off to residency programs.

"There's so much study space, new equipment. It's really nice and it's just really homey. It's an environment that's really gonna help students study and thrive," said Salam Kabbani, student.

"We believe it's gonna be a game changer in Central California for the students who will go to school here, for faculty, for the jobs that we're gonna bring here," said Assemi.

So this is just the beginning. The school is close to accreditation and there are major plans to expand to a permanent location near the hospital. That's when they hope to add more programs.

"There's a huge need for occupational therapists, so that's probably where we are focusing now. So we're gonna commence so feasibility studies to go forward," said Flo Dunn, University President.

"We're very excited about that campus and cooperating, working with the cCty of Clovis, who has been very supportive of our efforts in making sure that we could make this dream become a reality very soon in Central California and the City of Clovis," said Assemi.

The permanent campus will be built here off Temperance and 168 and classes could start as early as fall 2019.