Groundbreaking ceremony marks a major expansion in healthcare education at SHSU.
Press Release by TODAY@SAM / Emily Binetti
HEADER PHOTO CAPTION: Clint Menefee, Emily Roper, Michael Stephenson, Alisa White, Rep. Will Metcalf, Brian McCall, Amanda Withers, Juan Nunez, Craig Newitt
In a momentous occasion marking a significant stride in academic expansion, leaders from Sam Houston State University (SHSU), Smith Group Architects and Kitchell gathered today to commemorate the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Health Professions Building in Conroe, Texas.
This pivotal development underscores SHSU’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the region and the state, particularly in healthcare education. The Health Professions Building, strategically positioned adjacent to the SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, embodies the university’s dedication to fostering student success, advancing healthcare access, and enhancing community well-being.
“The building that will rise here will expand our presence and demonstrate our continued commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and prioritizing shared resources between the medical school and health professions. I am excited for the future,” SHSU President Alisa White said.
Scheduled for completion in January 2026, the Health Professions Building will be the new home for four academic programs: the MS in Athletic Training, MS in Dietetics, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and MS in Physician Assistant. The Athletic Training and Dietetics programs are currently housed on the main campus in Huntsville and will relocate to Conroe once the building opens.
“The demand for healthcare professionals in these program areas is strong in Texas and is driven by population growth, demographic changes, healthcare access, and the importance of rehabilitation and preventive care,” said Emily Roper, Dean of the College of Health Sciences. “Our programs are well-positioned to help address future demand within the region and the state.”
SHSU’s expansion into Conroe was made possible by the generous gift of a 7.3-acre tract of land from alumnus Rusty Campbell of Johnson Development. Positioned at the intersection of major regional thoroughfares, this premium space has facilitated the establishment of a cutting-edge medical school, poised to equip primary care physicians with the skills to serve Texas’ rural and underserved populations. The new building lays the foundation for robust medical and health education initiatives to serve the thriving population of the region.
