SHSU Building New Nursing School for Texas Shortage

HUNTSVILLE – Sam Houston State University is moving closer to launching its new School of Nursing as renovations on the historic campus health center near completion. The project represents a cornerstone of the university’s mission to bolster the healthcare workforce in Texas, where the demand for qualified medical professionals continues to outpace supply.

The initiative, supported by a $33.4 million appropriation passed by the Texas Legislature in 2023, is transforming the existing two-story health center into a 60,000-square-foot facility. Construction on the site began in late 2025, and officials confirm that the facility is on track to be completed by early Spring 2026. The university expects to take occupancy mid-spring, allowing faculty and staff to finalize preparations for the inaugural class of students scheduled to arrive in Fall 2026.

Dr. Sarah Kerr, the inaugural director of the School of Nursing, said the facility is designed to address a looming crisis. According to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services, the state is projected to face a shortage of approximately 57,000 registered nurses by 2032.

The Texas nursing shortage is a multi-faceted problem, driven by a growing, aging population and a high rate of burnout among current practitioners, said Kerr. Our mission is to bridge that gap by providing high-quality, hands-on education that prepares our graduates to step into rural and underserved communities where their impact will be felt most immediately.

Once operational, the school will initiate a rigorous academic schedule. The program plans to admit 50 students per cohort, with two cohorts starting annually in the fall and spring semesters. This will result in an annual output of approximately 100 new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates.

The building’s design emphasizes modern pedagogy, featuring high-fidelity simulation labs where students can practice clinical skills in a controlled, risk-free environment. These labs will mimic hospital settings, complete with patient simulators that mimic real-life medical emergencies.

While the initial focus is on the traditional BSN track, university leadership has already outlined a roadmap for expansion. Future phases include the development of RN-to-BSN bridge programs for existing nurses looking to advance their credentials, as well as graduate-level master’s and doctoral programs aimed at training nurse educators and practitioners.

The addition of the nursing school is part of a broader strategy at SHSU to expand its footprint in STEM and healthcare disciplines. The university’s expansion comes as the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board continues to push for increased enrollment in nursing programs across the state to meet the state’s healthcare demands.

For prospective students and those interested in the program's progress, additional information is available on the official university website at https://www.shsu.edu. As the opening date approaches, the university plans to host tours and informational sessions for community members and prospective applicants.