Today@Sam Article
Sam Houston State Polytechnic College Partners with Industry Leaders to Prepare Students for the Workforce
Mach 17, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd
Sam Houston State University is enhancing workforce readiness through new industry partnerships supporting the revolutionary launch of its new Polytechnic College, SamPoly.
Collaborations with industry leaders from Forward Edge AI, Anthem Technology and The Bihm Firm, PLLC have helped shape the program offerings and curriculum. These partnerships ensure students immediately receive hands-on training and industry-aligned skills to meet the demands of an evolving job market.
Opening for applications starting this summer, SamPoly will offer four fully online programs:
Computer Information Systems & Security
Computer Support Specialist
Paralegal Studies
Practical AI & Intelligent Automation
George Stephenson, cofounder and COO of Forward Edge AI, serves as a SamPoly industry partner and has played a key role in shaping course design, ensuring students gain the skills needed to meet the growing demand for AI across various industries.
“SHSU’s faculty research is making a real-world impact,” Stephenson said. “The Polytechnic College is asking the right questions and preparing students with applicable skills for the future.”
Kevin Dixon, CEO of Anthem Technology, recognizes the value of hands-on training and partners with SamPoly to help close workforce gaps in high-demand fields.
“SamPoly is helping bridge the technical training gap, ensuring graduates have hands-on experience that’s hard to find in today’s labor market,” he said.
Understanding the importance of aligning education with local job market needs in the paralegal field, Attorney Kate Bihm of The Bihm Firm, PLLC is also actively involved in partnership with SamPoly.
“Attorneys need competent employees, and this program is training students with the exact skills employers are looking for,” Bihm said.
Through strategic industry partnerships, SamPoly is equipping students with real-world experience, technical expertise and problem-solving skills that make them career-ready. By bridging education and industry, SHSU is driving student success and fueling economic growth.
The university continues to explore new industry partnerships as it looks toward the future and expands SamPoly program offerings. Prospective students and potential industry partners can learn more about SamPoly and available programs by visiting shsu.edu/sampoly
SHSU Polytechnic College programs are currently pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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