Today@Sam Article

Hoyt Delivers 'State of the University'

Sept. 4, 2019
SHSU Media Contact: Emily Binetti

Sam Houston State University President Dana Hoyt recapped some of the past year’s highlights and presented plans for the future during the annual “State of the University” address on Aug. 29 in the Gaertner Performing Arts Center.

The meeting also acknowledged select faculty and staff recognized for years of service and several staff members were honored. (See photos here.)

Hoyt began her remarks by thanking University Police Officer, Detective Chanda L. Brown for her tremendous courage in saving a life during a recent emergency situation. As a token of her heroic act, Hoyt presented Brown with the SHSU University Police Commendation Bar and Award.

The president’s address also highlighted accomplishments including the university being ranked among the best in advancing economic opportunity for low-income students and also rated safest Texas college campus. Additional success highlights included a $305,000 grant awarded to the College of Education for a Low Incidence Disabilities & Autism Program, and an $8.9 million SEED grant from US Department of Education.

On the topic of campus renovation and growth, Hoyt spoke about the completion of the new Lowman Student Center addition, the Natural History & Art Research Center, Steele Golf Facility and Gibbs Ranch Conference Center, and Woodforest Bank Athletic Center. Faculty and staff were also updated on the progress of the new Art Complex, Coliseum parking garage and College of Osteopathic Medicine building.

Regarding the budget, Hoyt shared an update on the fiscal year and provided a five-year history overview, including information on how the university is using new resources. Her summary also emphasized increases in enrollment, increases in faculty/staff merit salary raises, and increases in full-time faculty positions.

In academics, Hoyt highlighted several new degree offerings. Hoyt also mentioned a significant increase in research money to the university. Since 2017, grants awarded to SHSU have grown from 5.7 million to 11.9 million.

Looking ahead, Hoyt shared national projected student demographic information regarding future high school graduate numbers. The president also expressed the importance of data analytics in understanding the university’s diverse student population.

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