Sam Houston State University is dedicated to offering a student-centered, community-engaged education. Recognizing the challenges college students face, including financial barriers, academic preparedness, social integration, mismatched expectations, personal hurdles, and work-life balance difficulties, Sam Houston is committed to addressing these complexities. We adopt a holistic approach, fostering collaboration among administrators, faculty, and support services to create a supportive learning environment. Our key measures include tackling financial strains, enhancing academic support, promoting social connections, managing expectations, providing flexible support systems, encouraging work-life balance, and addressing technological gaps for a comprehensive retention strategy. These connections, extending beyond academics, contribute to personal growth, professional development, and a strong sense of community and purpose.
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 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 - 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 - 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 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.
