CAM Facilities

Support the Future of Creativity

At Sam Houston State University’s College of Arts & Media, students don’t just study the arts—they live them. Every day, they grow as creators, storytellers, performers, and visionaries, shaping the world around them through their work.

Your gift helps provide the tools, experiences, and mentorship that fuel their transformation. Whether it’s a scholarship, a spotlight on stage, or access to industry-leading resources, your support makes a lasting impact.

Ways to Make a Difference

  • Scholarships
    Contribute to the College of Arts & Media Scholarship Fund and help talented students overcome financial barriers as they pursue degrees in the arts, media, and communication. Your support helps us recruit, retain, and empower the next generation of creative leaders.

  • Enrichment Fund
    A gift to the College of Arts & Media Enrichment Fund gives the Dean the flexibility to support student research, fund travel to performances and conferences, and launch creative initiatives where they’re needed most.

  • Department and Program Support
    Donors may also choose to support a specific academic department or school—directly impacting the students, faculty, and programs they’re most passionate about.

  • Legacy Gifts
    Interested in establishing a named fund or making a planned gift? Contact the CAM Dean’s Office or the SHSU University Advancement team to explore long-term giving options.

Join Us in Shaping the Arts

Every contribution—big or small—nurtures the next generation of creative minds. Thank you for believing in the power of the arts and in the students who are ready to make their mark.

Make your gift today and help us fuel the future of creativity.

Where Creativity Comes to Life


At Sam Houston State University’s College of Arts & Media, our facilities are designed to inspire, equip, and elevate your creative journey. Across campus—and even beyond it—you’ll find spaces that foster collaboration, innovation, and hands-on learning.

  • James and Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center (GPAC)
    Named in honor of former SHSU President Dr. James Gaertner and his wife Nancy for their transformational leadership and support of the arts, this stunning facility brings performance and learning together under one roof. It features the David and Grettle Payne Concert Hall (800 seats), the Mary Ella Montague Dance Theater (150 seats), and a 175-seat recital hall, alongside rehearsal studios, practice rooms, and production spaces. Students in music, dance, and theatre perform in professional-caliber venues while engaging with world-class visual art installations by SHSU alumni and nationally recognized artists.

  • Dana G. Hoyt Fine Arts Building (ARTS)
    Named after Dr. Dana G. Hoyt, SHSU’s first female president and a champion for academic innovation and the arts, this 71,000-square-foot complex is home to the Department of Art. Inside, students have access to dedicated studios for animation, graphic design, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. The building also houses the University Art Gallery, which showcases work by students and faculty and regularly features visiting artists from across the nation—bringing fresh perspectives and professional connections to campus.

  • University Theatre Center (UTC)
    The heart of SHSU’s Theatre and Musical Theatre programs, the UTC features two performance venues—the Erica Starr Theatre and the Showcase Theatre—alongside a costume shop, scene shop, and design classrooms. Students here experience every aspect of production, from concept to curtain call.

  • School of Music Building (MUS)
    Designed for focused learning and performance, the School of Music Building includes rehearsal halls, practice rooms, smart classrooms, and faculty studios. It’s a space where students collaborate, refine their craft, and prepare for careers in music—supported by a strong community of educators and peers.

  • Dan Rather Communications Building (DRCB)
    Named after SHSU alumnus and legendary journalist Dan Rather, this building is the hub for the Department of Mass Communication. Facilities include TV studios, digital editing labs, and the student-run radio station KSHU 90.5 FM, along with The Houstonian student newspaper and broadcast newsroom.

  • Natural Science & Art Research Center (NSARC)
    Located off-campus, NSARC provides graduate art students with individual studio spaces and supports interdisciplinary collaboration between the arts and sciences. It’s a unique environment where creative practice and scientific exploration intersect.