SHSU 2023-33 master plan includes expansion of Conroe, The Woodlands campuses

The Texas State University System board of regents approved Sam Houston State University's 2022-33 master plan at a quarterly meeting May 25. According to a news release May 30, the master plan includes investing in legacy buildings and additional spaces to expand all three campuses, including the College of Osteopathic Medicine in Conroe and The Woodlands Center.

In a nutshell

• Approval of a program fee of $19,950 for Texas residents and $21,950 for non-Texas residents
• Approval of a statutory tuition, which is set at $6,550 per academic year for Texas residents and $19,650 per academic year for non-Texas residents.
• Approval to lease 12,142 square feet of space in Marcel Boulevard to house a physicians clinic in Conroe

The Sam Houston State University Master Plan also included a powerpoint laying out the current space needs and long-term vision for Conroe and The Woodlands campuses. The goals for both the College of Osteopathic Medicine and The Woodlands Center focus on student success and campus visibility.

• Build a new health professions building
• Include new programs, additional labs, research and private study space
• Enhance student-centered green space with shelter, tables and power
• Embed wellness, food and recreation amenities on ground floor
• Enhance SHSU's branding via a new parking garage on I-45
• Connect to adjacent market

• Expand access to existing instructional spaces
• Reallocate space for more study rooms and student service spaces
• Add a university bookstore with a nursing focus
• Make the campus green space more useable
• Enhance the campus gateway at College Park Drive
• Reinforce partnership with Lone Star College
• Add a recreation trail along the pond
• Potentially share recreation and fitness amenities

The College of Osteopathic Medicine broke ground May 30 on its new parking garage. According to a news release May 30, the five-level garage will be designed to include vertical orange and white panels, a light box with the SHSU logo, and a health sciences-inspired mural. The 328,000-square-foot project is expected to be completed in 2024, according to the general contractor Hoar Construction.

By Cassandra Jenkins

Government Reporter

Cassandra joined Community Impact in November 2022 as a local education reporter for Montgomery County. She transitioned to a city hall and government reporter position to cover the city of Houston in March 2024. A graduate of Lamar University, she previously served as a general reporter for The Port Arthur News and spent time as a freelance travel writer. Outside of the newsroom, she enjoys reading, traveling, hiking and taking photos.