Cole Gee February 18, 2026
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After nearly four years of development, Sam Houston State University officially cut the ribbon to open its new Health Professions Building on Feb. 17.

“This building represents a deliberate choice. A choice that reflects how healthcare works in the real world,” SHSU President Alisa White said.

Two-minute impact

The $65 million, 81,000-square-foot facility has been in early development since 2023, according to prior reporting from Community Impact. Built to operate alongside the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the new facility’s strategic location offers students a “regional home to several major health care systems,” according to a Feb. 18 news release. This allows students in SHSU’s health programs to learn and work alongside health care professionals in real-world settings.

“It provides instructional laboratory simulation and faculty spaces that will expand our capacity to educate students and support long-term program growth,” SHSU CFO Amanda Withers said.

SHSU will host four programs in the new facility:

  • Master of Science in Athletic Training
  • Master of Science in Dietetics
  • Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy

Classes for the health professions building are set to begin this summer, according to SHSU.

By Cole Gee

Cole joined Community Impact in 2025 as the general assignment reporter for the Tomball/Magnolia and Conroe/Montgomery areas. Before joining CI, Cole worked for many different news organizations, including KWBU News, The Houston Defender, and his alma mater’s student newspaper, The Baylor Lariat. When not reporting on local school board meetings and community events, you can find him at a Rockets, Astros or Texans game, listening to music, reading comic books or enjoying a nice workout at his boxing gym.