At Sam Houston State University, progress fuels our strategic plan, propelling us towards impactful change. Each step signifies our dedication to excellence in academics, pioneering research, and community involvement. It's more than success markers; it defines us as a forward-looking institution shaping leaders and global impact. Progress amplifies our influence, elevates achievements, and embodies our strategic vision.
2024 - April 23
SHSU Inaugural Giving Day
Sam Houston State University's Inaugural Giving Day took place on April 23rd, with 738 donors it raised $238,157 in funds for scholarships, programs, athletics, and the Alumni Association. Building on the tradition of philanthropy of sharing time, talents, or treasure to elevate student success.
2024 - February 01
Student Legal and Mediation Services Named SHSU’s “2024 Office of the Year”
SHSU's Student Legal and Mediation Services (SLMS) is cited by 60% of students as being a critical enabler for Student retention through services such as conflict coaching, and legal aid which empowers them to navigate challenges effectively.
2023 - November 09
Gibbs Ranch Unveils New Cutting-Edge Facilities
Phase I of the Gibbs Ranch Expansion is completed with a new Ag Center consisting of two green houses, Head House, Learning Center, and the Sonny Sikes Arena. These facilities were designed to focus on hands-on learning while improving our teaching capacity, elevating student success, and providing students access to cutting edge technologies.
2023 - September 11
EDUNAV Revolutionizes Academic Planning
EduNav optimizes degree completion with personalized semester planning. Its upcoming features offer financial insights and career guidance, aligning with strategic goals to improve completion rates, provide timely degree information, and expand career opportunities for students.
2023 - September 01
The Creation of the Student Experience Office
The SHSU Experience Office, formed in fall 2023 and led by the Chief Experience Officer, aligns institutional goals to boost student success. Collaborating across divisions, they ensure inclusivity and support recruitment and retention efforts, fostering a unified community.
2023 - September 01
Scholarship Fundraising
Scholarships are an incredible source of financial assistance for SHSU students. University Advancement and the Sam Houston University Foundation helped raise $3,570,252.91 in student scholarships for the 2023-2024 school year.
2023 - September 01
SHSU Partners with the East Texas Rural Network
SHSU collaborated with RSSI to boost rural student enrollment and completion rates. Through initiatives like the RSSI College Fair, SHSU aims to extend campus tours to rural districts, aligning with strategic objectives of partnership, community engagement, and opportunity gap reduction.
2023 - August 21
Academic Affairs Stem Center
Sam Houston State University's Catapult into STEM Summer Bridge Program, funded by a National Science Foundation grant, allows STEM students to advance, saving time and enhancing learning. The program combines physics and calculus, boosting student success and breaking barriers in STEM education.
2023 - August 11
TSUS Approves 8 New Academic Certificates
In order to meet State and Regional academic programing demands, TSUS Regents approved eight new online degree programs in Educational Studies, Learning Technologies, and certificates in Project Methods, Quality Management Tools, Communication for Sport Professionals, Crime Analysis, Geospatial Applications, and Woodwind Performance Pedagogy.
2023 - August 11
Certification Programs Approved
Sam Houston State University received approval from the Texas State University System (TSUS) Board of Regents for various online degree and certificate programs, including educational studies, learning technologies, project methods, quality management tools, communication for sport professionals, crime analysis, geospatial applications, and woodwind performance pedagogy.
2023 - August 01
The College of Education Receives Endowment to Launch Alternative Certification Program
The College of Education designed a dynamic, innovative Alternative Certification Program to address the increasing need for well-prepared teachers throughout Texas. A $1.5 million award from the Houston Endowment was instrumental in launching this opportunity.
2023 - May 11
Partnership with HISD
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) deepens its commitment to education by partnering with Huntsville Independent School District (HISD), offering scholarship opportunities, dual credit programs, and enhanced counselor support for a seamless transition to higher education.
2023 - May 05
Partnership with Goose Creek CISD
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) establishes the Bearkat Advantage Program with Goose Creek Consolidated ISD, offering scholarships, fostering closer counselor ties, and encouraging seamless admission for district students to SHSU.
2023 - March 30
Military Institution
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is recognized as a Military Friendly School for 2023-24, emphasizing commitment to service and support for military-affiliated students. The Veterans Resource Center is highlighted for aiding successful transitions, earning SHSU silver status in various excellence categories.
2023 - March 21
Reynolds and Reynolds Company $100,000 In Scholarships
Reynolds and Reynolds Foundation pledges $100,000 annually for scholarships at Sam Houston State University, benefiting 20 students in business and computer science disciplines. This marks the start of a partnership, highlighting the commitment to regional education and workforce development.
2023 - February 15
National Teaching Grant to Boost Enrollment
SHSU's College of Education received the Hawkins Center of Excellence grant, providing $1,599,900 to support Hawkins Scholars of Excellence. This initiative addresses the teacher shortage by offering diverse students financial, instructional, and mentoring support, with a focus on bilingual educators in Texas.
2023 - January 23
MOU with Blinn College
Blinn College District and Sam Houston State University (SHSU) launch a partnership allowing students to earn an associate degree at Blinn before pursuing a bachelor's degree at SHSU. The program spans various disciplines, promoting affordability and workforce readiness.
2023 - January 19
Computer Science Department Awarded Grant Funding for Scholarships
SHSU's Computer Science Department obtained a $2.8 million NSF CyberCorps grant, training 20 students for government cybersecurity roles. It's recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, aiming to improve cybersecurity education and outcomes.
2023 - January 17
SHSU’s First Generation Center Launches the Trailblazer Program
The Trailblazer Program First Generation Program was created to provide a supportive environment by connecting students with faculty and staff to serve as coaches and mentors and a network for support. Fostering a sense of belonging, empowerment, and positively impacting retention for those in the program.
2023 - January 17
University Advancement re-org
Sam Houston State University appoints Matthew Bethea as Vice President for University Advancement, effective March 1, 2023. Reporting to President Alisa White, Bethea will lead key university departments, alumni relations, and serve on the Cabinet.
2022 - August 12
MOU with Expanding Frontiers
Sam Houston State University partners with Expanding Frontiers of Brownsville to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in Texas' Space Corridor, utilizing NASA patents. The collaboration creates an innovation ecosystem to commercialize space technologies on earth, supported by SHSU's CIT and Expanding Frontiers' educational initiatives.
2022 - April 28
SHSU’s Small Business Development Center Expands Student Services to Woodlands Campus
The Huntsville/Walker County Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Development Center at Sam Houston State University created a strategic partnership supporting regional businesses. Through this collaboration, the community has access to a range of services such as seminars, workshops, consulting, mentorship, training, and networking which fosters economic success and growth for local businesses and increased opportunities for our students.
2021 - November 17
LinkedIn Learning Offers New Training Opportunities
The Learning Academies at SHSU Online made the LinkedIn Learning Library available to all faculty, staff, and students. The library which contains a vast array of video courses, that can be used for personal self-development, annual professional development requirements as to add highlights to resumes and LinkedIn profiles.