Today@Sam Article

SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Celebrates Donors at Naming Ceremony

June 5, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Campbell Atkins

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By Brittany Foreman 

Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) honored key donors May 30 during a heartfelt room-naming and donor appreciation ceremony held at the Conroe campus. The event celebrated the transformational impact of philanthropic support on the college’s rapid rise in reputation, performance and mission-driven outcomes. 

Hosted by SHSU’s Division of University Advancement, the ceremony featured remarks from university leadership, including SHSU President Alisa White and SHSU-COM Dean Thomas J. Mohr, D.O., who both emphasized the foresight and commitment of early supporters. 

“Your generosity helped us build something incredible before the results were even in,” said White. “Now, you can see it: a school that’s not only thriving but changing the landscape of healthcare across Texas and the nation.” 

Early supporters didn’t simply invest in bricks and mortar – they bought into a mission to improve the health of the communities across the state. Today, that commitment is already making a difference for students, neighborhoods and the future of healthcare. 

SHSU-COM, which welcomed its inaugural class in 2020, recently celebrated the graduation of its second class on May 8. Thanks to donor contributions and key legislative support, annual tuition has been significantly reduced from over $57,000 to under $26,000, opening doors for students and expanding access to care in rural and medically underserved areas. 

Dean Mohr shared impressive outcomes that highlight the college’s commitment to its mission: 

  • 99% residency match rate, with 56% of students staying in Texas and practicing primary care, directly supporting the state’s rural healthcare needs. 
  • 100% first-time pass rate on the COMLEX-USA Level 1 national board exam – the highest in the country among osteopathic medical schools. 
  • Graduates entering competitive subspecialties, including psychiatry, orthopedics, anesthesia and more. 

During the event, several spaces across the SHSU-COM campus were officially named in honor of generous benefactors whose leadership and vision helped bring the college to life: 

  • The Thomason Harris Family Osteopathic and Clinical Skills Training Center, where students master hands-on techniques that will serve them throughout their careers. 
  • The Gibson D. and Sandra Lewis Conference Room, a vital hub for meetings, academic planning and collaboration among faculty and staff. 
  • The Pruski Family Multipurpose Room and the McKnight-Ussery Multipurpose Room, two flexible spaces that support everything from student events to faculty development and continuing medical education. 
  • The David R. Armbruster, D.O. Dean’s Executive Conference Room, a professional setting for strategic planning, executive meetings and high-level decision-making. 
  • The Edgar A. ’56 and Carolyn L. Reeves Enrollment Services Suite, the first stop for many future physicians as they navigate admissions, financial aid and academic support. 
  • The Gary ’72 and Kathy Fickes Gathering Area, a popular collaborative space that fosters connection, conversation and community among students. 

SHSU-COM stands as the first and only osteopathic medical school in Texas to receive a full 10-year accreditation with exceptional outcomes, a testament to the bold vision of its founders, the dedication of its faculty and students and the generosity of its supporters. 

“You made a good bet, and we will do everything in our power to make this a school you’ll always be proud of,” White said.  

Contact the college’s development officer, Lindsey Christensen, at lmc092@shsu.edu or 936-294-2706 to learn more about supporting the mission of SHSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine.  

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