CELEBRATING
PROGRESS

Prioritize Student Success and Student Access

(“Ensuring every student has the resources, support, and opportunities needed to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.”)

• Increased enrollment in UNIV 1101 by 28% contributing to a fall-to-spring persistence of 90.2% for first-time freshmen, an increase of 2.4%
• Expanded College of Osteopathic Medicine preceptors by 53% to 1,750, strengthening hands-on clinical training
• Secured $5M gift for the College of Business Administration Trading Floor, expanding experiential learning opportunities for business students
• Received $8.5M in external grants for the College of Education and awarded 172 grant-funded scholarships worth $1.3M for AY25, increasing access and reducing student debt barriers
• Updated transcript policy to release records regardless of balance, resulting in 500+ monthly payment agreements that support continued enrollment and degree completion
• Expanded transfer partnerships with community colleges, creating transfer pathways for future SHSU students
• Enrolled the largest cohort in First Gen Centers Trailblazer program history
• Redesigned high-failure-rate course and increased embedded tutoring, improving pass rates and persistence
• Expanded first-year experience programs (Living-Learning, Bearkat Camp) to foster belonging early in the academic journey
• Awarded 32 completion grants to students within 1-2 semesters of graduation, in partnership with the National Institute for Student Success
• Expanded access and retention programs (SH Elite, Evolve, Aspire) to support persistence for undergraduates, transfers, and graduate students.
• Raised ~$308K from 1049 donors on Giving Day for scholarships, programs, athletics, and the Alumni association to support student success
• Construction underway on College of Business Administration Trading Floor with Bloomberg terminals
• Targeted coaching to at-risk students boosted GPA between .6 and 1.6 BPA and had a 1.47x persistence increase.
• The School of Agricultural Sciences obtained a $750,000 grant to train future agricultural teachers, strengthening Texas's agricultural education pipeline.
• Utilized predictive analytics and AI-driven outreach campaigns to identify and engage prospective students, resulting in more personalized and effective recruitment communications, which led to enrollment growth in First Time freshmen, Transfer, Master's, and Doctoral students.
• Introduced hybrid and weekend course options in select programs to accommodate adult learners balancing education with work and family responsibilities.
• Created 25 stackable certificates over the last two years to support credential attainment and career readiness.
• New Online Degree and Certificate Programs: SHSU received approval from the Texas State University System Board of Regents for multiple online programs, including educational studies, learning technologies, project methods, quality management tools, communication for sport professionals, crime analysis, geospatial applications, and woodwind performance pedagogy, responding to diverse workforce demands.
• To improve accessibility and competitiveness, the College of Education implemented and evaluated market-sensitive tuition models for select graduate programs, including: School Leadership, Educational Diagnostician, and School Librarian. Impact was a 21.1% increase in unduplicated enrollment.
• The College of Criminal Justice continues to demonstrate agility in online education through its Premium Distance Learning (PDL) initiative. In just three years, the number of PDL course sections has grown from 15 to 74, with enrollment increasing by over 375%. The program adapts quickly to student needs, with six new courses added for Spring 2025 and additional phases already in development.

Embody a Culture of Excellence

(“Striving for the highest standards in all endeavors, foster innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement to achieve outstanding outcomes in education, research, and community service”)

• TSUS approved eight new academic certificates in areas like Learning Technologies and Project Methods.
• Approved new online degree and certificate programs aligned to state & regional workforce demands.

• Transitioned Huntsville campus custodial services in-house, improving performance and reducing costs.
• Shifted 100% of marketing communications projects into project management systems across all divisions, increasing efficiency and accountability.
• Migrated Newton Gresham Library to a new library service platform (Alma/Primo) to improve collection management, resource accuracy, and search functionality.
• Improved satisfaction with the Bearkat Bundle and reduced the opt-out rate by 14%, the lowest since the program's launch.
• Implemented LinkedIn Learning for all faculty, staff, and students for flexible, on-demand professional development.
• Secured a 75.3% retention rate for the first-time, full-time freshmen fall 2024 cohort.
• Added Bearkat Camp sessions and increased attendance, contributing to a 7-8% increase in the retention rate.
• Expanded emergency micro-grants and completion grants for students facing unexpected financial hardships.
• Implemented one-page transfer guides for all undergraduate programs, streamlining community college course selection for future SHSU students.
• Developed an early graduate incentive program to help students graduate earlier.
• Completed 82% of adopted Keep-Stop-Start Initiatives for AY23-24, with 18% showing significant progress.
• Launched Microsoft Co-pilot as the campus AI System.
• Emergency Management Enhancements: Upgraded the KatSafe system with a new vendor to improve the speed and effectiveness of emergency notifications.
• Infrastructure and Engagement Enhancements:
• Renovated Newton Gresham Library, adding group study rooms, a meditation/reflection room, and individual study booths.
• Continued the Center for Community Engagement's community work-study program.
• Formed a Student Success Advisory Board to guide and improve student support services.
• Student Employment Enhancements: Implemented the PeopleAdmin application process, increased departmental student pay, and launched supervisor training.
• Pregnancy & Parenting Support: Appointed a dedicated liaison and allocated resources to support pregnant and parenting students.
• Expanded internal dashboards tracking strategic progress, available at shsu.edu/strategic-plan/dashboard.
• Contracted with Education Connex to support graduate admissions, resulting in four consecutive semesters of growth.
• Reimagined and expanded the Bearkat Family Network to engage parents and families as active partners in the enrollment process, offering bilingual resources and family-oriented orientation events.
• Joined the JED Campus Mental Health Initiative and launched the ELEVATE campaign, offering comprehensive mental health resources and counseling services to support student well-being.
• Athletics has implemented a comprehensive suite of seven programs aimed at enhancing student-athlete retention and overall well-being:
  • Bearkat Athletic Mentoring: Targeted support for freshmen and transfer student-athletes to ease their transition and foster academic success.
  • Life Skills Course: A foundational course for freshmen focusing on personal development, time management, and academic strategies.
  • Monthly Wellness Workshops & Mental Health Emergency Action Plan: Regular sessions promoting mental health awareness and preparedness.
  • “Let's Talk” Sessions: A collaborative initiative with the Counseling Center offering informal, drop-in mental health support.
  • PAWS for Mental Health Campaign Participation: Active involvement in campus-wide mental health advocacy and outreach.
  • Support for International Student-Athletes: Services through VITA and Global Engagement to assist with cultural adjustment and academic integration.
  • Expanded Student Payroll: Increased funding to employ more student workers, providing financial support and professional development.
• Launched the Esports Task Force in Fall 2024 and completed construction of an Esports Lab on August 1, 2025.
• Streamlined the curricular program approval process by implementing all action items, including monthly finance meetings, real-time Provost review, and moving from a 3-stage to a 2-stage process.
• Salesforce for recruits and applicants is now live for all colleges and academic levels, including SamPoly. Phase 2 (Student Success) is currently being implemented to replace EAB Navigate (Campus Connect).

Elevate the Reputation and Visibility of SHSU

(“Showcasing achievements, enhancing presence locally/globally and building strong partnerships”)

• Received numerous faculty and staff professional association, state, national, and international awards in the last 12 months, including for $5K Faculty Excellence awards and four $2K Staff Excellence Awards
• Increased fan engagement by 193%, ticket sales by 28%, and basketball attendance by 40%
• Achieved a 10-3 record in football and won the first Bowl game in university history
• College of Osteopathic Medicine secured a $4.9M Federal grant to strengthen biomedical research and education
• E-Sports lab opened with 13 PCs and a competitive space
• Received a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation through academic year 2030
• Achieved master's degree enrollment growth - Spring +24% and summer +30%
• Increased College of Health Sciences summer camp attendance by 28% with a 40% conversion rate to enrollment
• Increased funding for Bearkat Advantage Scholarships and First-Generation Student Grants, reducing financial barriers for low-income and First Gen students
• Completed comprehensive brand rollout and university brand commercial
• Athletics facilities investments in Football, Softball, Tennis, and Baseball
• The SHSU Charter School earned an A rating from the Texas Education Agency for the 2022-23 academic year, placing it in the top 10% of Texas school districts (128 out of 1,198)
• For the third straight year, SHSU remained among the top national institutions for social mobility, ranking #21 out of ~434 colleges in U.S. News's measure of student success for Pell Grant recipients
• Online graduate and veterans-focused programs earned high positions in U.S. News rankings, including #2 in Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs for Veterans and top 10 in Computer Information Technology and Education programs
• SHSU's Criminal Justice and Forensic Science programs continue to excel—EduRank lists them among the top programs nationally and regionally, reinforcing the university's specialized academic strengths
• The launch of SamPoly was explicitly designed with industry input and addresses statewide goals to increase workforce credential attainment by 2030, enhancing SHSU's strategic alignment with state and economic needs

Expand and Elevate our Service to the State and Beyond

(“Increasing our impact through community engagement, innovative programs and partnerships that address local/global challenges, benefitting society as a whole”)

• Increased Academic Community Engagement Course sections by 49% from Spring 2024 to Spring 2025
• Launched SamPoly offering Level I and II certificates and applied associate degrees in practical AI, computer and information systems, and security and paralegal studies to meet Texas workforce demands
• Delivered advanced leadership training to 2,500+ Law Enforcement professionals from over 200 agencies statewide through LEMIT
• Supported 1,100+ student veterans with transition assistance, mentoring, and workforce initiatives through the Veterans Resource Center
• Center for Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship expanded its Excited Program from 1 to 3 High Schools
• The College of Criminal Justice expanded its CJ.org into a statewide hub for CJ resources
• COSET Security Operations Center opened - supporting both the safety and security of IT systems and enhancing student success through experiential learning
• Launched SamPoly (School of Applied Sciences and Technology), offering Level I & II certificates and associate degrees in Artificial Intelligence, IT, and Paralegal Studies, targeting underrepresented populations and rural communities to meet Texas's workforce demands
• Expanded the reach of SHSU's Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT), providing advanced leadership training to over 2,500 law enforcement professionals from over 200 agencies statewide
• Hosted the 100th graduating class of the Leadership Command College, marking Texas's long-term investment in developing high-level police leadership across the state
• SHSU's Veterans Resource Center enhanced services receiving a Gold Ranking while supporting over 1,100 student veterans with transition assistance, professional mentoring, and statewide veteran workforce initiatives
• The SHSU Food Pantry received a $100,000 grant to combat food insecurity and promote health in the Huntsville community, extending direct community service
• Launched SamPoly (School of Applied Sciences and Technology) to attract new student populations through workforce-aligned certificate and associate degree programs, providing an affordable, fast-track pathway to in-demand careers

Prioritize Student Success and Student Access

(“Ensuring every student has the resources, support, and opportunities needed to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.”)

• 14% increase in Scholarship Fundraising to $3.5M
• Expanded 7.5-week and 5-week parts of term to provide greater flexibility
• Identified students who would impact 4-year and 6-year graduation rates to offer completion grants
• Eliminated Rec Center barriers (new hours, eliminated fees/requirements, revised dress code)
• Extended dining hours to accommodate class schedules
• Secured the largest fundraising year and exceeded the annual goal by $2M
• Led CUSA with three Scholar Athletes of the Year and 280 student athletes recognized for exceptional grade point averages
• Completed transfer maps for Lone Star College and Blinn College
• FORWARD students living on campus can stay during the breaks in residence facilities at no charge
• Developed the Bearkat Launch Program, extending the “on-ramp” for students admitted for holistic review
• Created a predictive model for First-time freshman retention
• SEI identified students at risk of delaying graduation and offered completion grants
• Inaugural Day of Giving, 728 gifts, raised $237K for student success initiatives
• Creation of a Student Experience Office to align institutional goals to boost student success
• College of Education designed a dynamic, innovative Alternative Certification Program to address the increasing need for well-prepared teachers across Texas, along with a $1.5M grant to launch this opportunity
• Reynolds and Reynolds pledges $100K annually for 20 student scholarships in business and computer sciences
• Hawkins Center provides ~$1.6M to support teachers in the Hawkins Scholars of Excellence program
• National Science Foundation awards $2.8M grant for 20 student scholarships as part of the Scholarships for Service Program
• Launch the First-Generation Center Trailblazer Program to connect students with faculty and staff to serve as mentors and coaches
• College of Education created Strategic Staffing paid residency models across 22 School Districts
• College of Criminal Justice – 5 new certificates available on Premium Distance Learning and 5Wk parts of term, increasing semester credit hours Fall to Fall and Spring to Spring by 250%
• Creation of 4+1 DO-MPH dual degree
• Inaugural COHS summer Camp hosted 30 High School Students with the upcoming camp scheduled to grow by 33%
• School of Nursing 100% pass rate and employment, 97% Pass rate on First-Time NCLEX results
• Created the Center for Building Business Professionals to help with Career preparedness via soft skills development (College of Business Administration)
• Student Scholarships distributions are up 14% over last year and the number of Scholarships is up 7%
• Created a predictive model for first-time freshman retention in partnership with Academic Affairs to be used to coordinate early intervention
• Increased select dual credit courses for Huntsville High School, and Blaze University Homeschool co-op
• Hosted the inaugural Bearkat Kickoff program, engaging ~3200 freshmen

Embody a Culture of Excellence

(“Striving for the highest standards in all endeavors, foster innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement to achieve outstanding outcomes in education, research, and community service”)

• Started the Security Operations Center as a cost-effective way to provide cybersecurity
• Implemented updated payment plan to reduce initial payment costs, provide flexible payment dates, and help prevent past due balances
• Total grant dollars awarded increased by $4.6M
• Developed an enrollment forecaster dashboard for proactive enrollment tracking
• Partnered with Community Work Study to offer increased pay
• Implemented EduNav Smart Plan to provide students with the estimated cost of changing a course and/or degree plan, and extended time to degree
• Implemented Skeleton Crew days to aid in employee flexibility
• Launched a new data request form, automated the routing of the requests to simplify the intake process
• Streamlined the roommate matching software
• COSET secured $6.7M in grant funding to support research and student success
• Graduation of Inaugural Class from the College of Medicine, 100% pass rate, 100% residency placement, #3 COM ranking in the Nation
• First and only College of Medicine to receive a 10-year accreditation with exceptional outcomes
• Acquired a 192-bed apartment complex to provide additional student housing and quality of life; acquired 4.8 acres near the COM for expected health education growth
• Created Keep-Stop-Start survey, generating over 1,000 ideas to foster innovation and insight to improve planning and prioritization
• SHSU Online launched Genius, a registration system for continuing education, serving ~39K students within the first year
• Career Success Center served ~2,500 students, a 57% increase from Fall to Fall
• SHSU ranked 165th out of 3,000 schools at getting undergraduates accepted to Law School
• Increased Academic Community Engaged courses by 35% over the past three years (68 new sections this year)

Elevate the Reputation and Visibility of SHSU

(“Showcasing achievements, enhancing presence locally/globally and building strong partnerships”)

• Added four-degree programs and created 17 new stackable certificates (since Fall 2022)
• Established multiple partnerships to build student pipelines to SHSU
• Created 3+2+1 degree programs
• Completed discovery and development of university brand
• SHSU Athletic graduation rate hit 83%
• Recognized as a Silver Award Military Friendly School for its commitment to service and support for military-affiliated students
• Partnership established with Expanding Frontiers of Brownsville to create an innovation ecosystem to commercialize space technologies
• Co-sponsored the Mitchell Institute Collider, Dark Matter, and Neutrino Physics Workshop
• Hosted the National Book Awards Festival with the National Book Foundation
• Hosted the Artificial Intelligence in Psychological Science Summer Camp
• $1.4M National Institute of Health research grant
• The student PGA Golf Management Team won the National Championship, defeating 15 PGA Golf Management Programs from across the nation by 15 strokes (Penn State, Mississippi State, UNLV, and Methodist University rounded out the top five)
• Alumni association created and hosted the inaugural SAM 79, recognizing fastest-growing SHSU alumni businesses
• Campus Recreation Club Sports Programs competed and won conference championships, regional titles, and competed on the national stage, including Rugby, Powerlifting, Tennis, Trap and Skeet, and Bass Fishing
• The SHSU Spirit programs won the national title
• Baseball won the Western Athletic Conference and advanced to the NCAA Regional Tournament; Women's Golf advanced to the NCAA Regional; Men's Golf won the Conference USA championship; Men’s Basketball won the Conference USA regular-season basketball championship; and Women's Bowling advanced to the NCAA Final Four
• Coach Chris Mudge was named C-USA Coach of the Year

Expand and Elevate our Service to the State and Beyond

(“Increasing our impact through community engagement, innovative programs and partnerships that address local/global challenges, benefitting society as a whole”)

• Groundbreaking of Health Professions Building to house new academic programming for Physician Assistants, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Training
• Completion of Gibbs Ranch Agriculture Complex, Dominey Observatory, and the Chuck and Wanda Beckner Tennis Center
• Initial Rodeo held at Gibbs Arena to sold-out crowds and a National TV broadcast
• Increased ACE course enrollment by 18% and secured a $750K grant
• Established partnership with East Texas Rural Network to boost rural student enrollment and completion rates
• Partnerships with Huntsville, Goose Creek ISDs to elevate student success
• College of Education $1.5M for Texas School Safety initiatives and $5.2M for preparation of Mental Health professionals in school settings
• MOU signed with the US Census Bureau and an educational Partnership Agreement to support the National Security Agency
• Created BAAS pipelines for Criminal Justice majors at 10 institutions
• Creation of a Global Exchange Center (International Students) and the Office of Comparative and International Education and Leadership (Executive Development)
• Created the Center for Intelligence and Crime Analysis to elevate Policing operations
• Expanded programming for Forensic Science MS programs to meet state capacity demands
• College of Medicine created a program with four High Schools to prepare students for careers in medicine
• College of Medicine established additional regional clinical core sites in community-based, rural, and underserved areas of East Texas
• Partnership with the American Heart Association, SHSU Food Pantry, and Dietetic Internship Program
• Partnering with four major Houston healthcare systems to co-design a functional and contractual model for seamlessly sharing nurse-experts across academic practice settings. This innovative model addresses the key contributor of nursing shortages: the lack of nurse instructors
• Provided 40 pallets of used computer equipment to TDCJ Wynne Unit Computer Recovery Program to be refurbished and given to school districts