Today@Sam Article

SHSU President Addresses Access And Affordability At Houston Summit

Oct. 4, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) President Alisa White discussed the current higher education landscape from the framework of a university’s top executive at the Invest Houston Leadership Summit. Focused on, “Education Reform: Pathways to access and quality learning experiences through policy, technology and community engagement,” the panel assembled regional education leaders to discuss ways institutions are addressing access, affordability and relevance.

Galveston ISD Superintendent Matthew Neighbors moderated the panel comprised of White, Col. Michael Fossum, chief operations officer for Texas A&M University at Galveston and Bob Keith, dean of the Cameron School of Business at the University of St. Thomas.

White discussed the importance of ensuring students — especially first-generation and low-income — have reliable access to technology. She also stressed that schools need to take a student-centered approach to technology by making systems easy to navigate and aligning online tools with student needs.  

“Leaders must consider the viewpoints of students from varying backgrounds,” White said. “We know that many of our students work full-time and don’t always have access to broadband internet. When an ice storm hits, we can’t just say, ‘Go online,’ because some of them are driving to a restaurant or coffee shop to use the Wi-Fi.” 

In the group’s policy discussion, White praised the state’s dedication to higher education, including its recent increase in support for community colleges, while also noting that expanding federal aid such as Pell Grants is essential to reaching students. 

“Affordability is the biggest barrier for many students, and Texas has made strides in ensuring more students have access,” White said. “Our approach to improving accessibility centers around thoughtful scheduling for when classes are offered, how we can remove barriers and exploring diverse funding avenues to keep higher education affordable.”

The conversation reflects broader trends in Texas, the U.S. Department of Education estimated 51,000 new students are expected to qualify for Pell Grants in the 2024-25 award year, increasing access for low-income students. However, 2024 marked a 27% drop in FAFSA submissions, meaning 70,000 fewer high school students applied for federal financial aid compared to last year, raising concerns about lower fall enrollment and reduced access to necessary financial aid.

With more than half of Gen Z and millennials living paycheck to paycheck, college is becoming one of the first expenses they cut from their budgets. A recent Deloitte survey found that one-third of Gen Z and millennials have opted to skip higher education due to financial concerns. As this trend grows, institutions are increasingly challenged to demonstrate the value of higher education. White pointed to SHSU’s efforts to adapt to these emerging trends by establishing the Polytechnic College, which offers short-term certificate programs to provide highly valued credentials in a convenient setting.

“We’re working strategically to produce graduates who can solve labor shortages in high-growth occupations,” White said. “While our students have no issues getting jobs, we want to make sure they’re prepared for long-term careers.”

- END -

This page maintained by SHSU's Communications Office:

Director of Content Communications: Emily Binetti

Asst. Director Content & Social Media: Emilee White

Communications Manager: Mikah Boyd
Telephone: 936.294.1837

Communications Specialist: Campbell Atkins
Telephone: 936.294.2638

Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu