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.
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.
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 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - May 5
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 - 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 - 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 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 - September 1
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 1
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 - September 1
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 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.