SHSU Doubles Nursing Enrollment at Woodlands Center

**Sam Houston State University Investing $22 Million to Double Nursing Program, Tackle Regional Shortage**

**THE WOODLANDS, TX –** Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is making a significant investment in the future of healthcare, with a $22 million renovation project well underway at its Woodlands Center campus. The ambitious expansion aims to dramatically increase the capacity of its School of Nursing, ultimately doubling enrollment to 500 students in direct response to the critical nursing shortage plaguing the Houston region and across Texas.

The transformation of the Woodlands Center, located at 3380 College Park Drive, directly across from Lone Star College-Montgomery, began in November 2023. Funded largely by a $17.5 million state appropriation from Texas House Bill 1, supplemented by additional SHSU funds, the project is progressing swiftly. Construction is on track for completion in May 2025, with the university planning to have the state-of-the-art facility fully operational and ready to welcome its expanded cohort of nursing students by the Fall 2025 semester.

“This expansion isn’t just about growing our program; it’s about addressing a critical public health need,” stated Dr. Laura Kuhns, Dean of the SHSU School of Nursing. “The demand for highly skilled nurses in our hospitals and clinics continues to outpace supply. By doubling our enrollment capacity and equipping our students with cutting-edge resources, we are directly contributing to a healthier, more resilient healthcare system for the Houston area and beyond. We’re also exploring the addition of a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in the future, further elevating the level of care our graduates can provide.”

The finished Woodlands Center will stand as a premier hub for nursing education. It will feature ten cutting-edge simulation rooms, allowing students to practice complex medical scenarios in a safe, controlled environment. These are complemented by ten debriefing rooms for post-simulation analysis, two general classrooms, and a virtual anatomy lab, providing immersive learning experiences. New faculty and staff offices will also be incorporated to support the growing academic team. This comprehensive infrastructure is designed to support the increased demand for both bachelor’s (BSN) and master’s (MSN) nursing programs.

SHSU President Dr. Alisa White underscored the university’s commitment to regional workforce development. “Sam Houston State University has a long-standing tradition of serving the needs of Texas, and this expansion of our School of Nursing is a powerful testament to that mission,” Dr. White said. “This strategic investment, supported by our state legislature, will allow us to produce more highly qualified nursing professionals who are desperately needed on the front lines of patient care, ultimately enhancing the well-being of countless Texans.”

The chosen location for the nursing expansion has a unique history. The Woodlands Center previously hosted academic programs for both SHSU and Lone Star College-University Park. However, those programs have largely transitioned to SHSU’s main campus in Huntsville or LSC-University Park, freeing up this valuable space for the nursing school’s vital growth. This strategic repurposing leverages existing university assets while positioning the nursing program in a rapidly growing medical corridor.

The project further strengthens SHSU’s vital partnerships with leading local healthcare providers. Hospitals such as Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe, and St. Luke’s Health-The Woodlands are all poised to benefit directly from the increased number of qualified nursing graduates entering the workforce. These partnerships ensure that SHSU’s curriculum remains aligned with the evolving needs of the healthcare industry, preparing graduates who are immediately ready to contribute.

“The influx of new nursing graduates from SHSU’s expanded program will be invaluable to our medical community,” noted a representative from one of the partner hospitals (e.g., Debbie Faseler, CEO of Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital). “As our population grows and healthcare demands intensify, having a robust pipeline of well-trained nurses is paramount to maintaining the high quality of care our patients expect and deserve. We eagerly anticipate welcoming more SHSU alumni to our teams.”

The renovation underscores SHSU’s proactive role in addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing the Texas healthcare system, solidifying its position as a key educator of future healthcare professionals.

For more information on the SHSU School of Nursing, visit [SHSU Nursing Website Link – e.g., shsu.edu/academics/nursing].