Spotlight On: Alisa White, President, Sam Houston State University
May 2024 — In an interview with Invest:, Alisa White, president of Sam Houston State University, discussed the university’s advancements in key academic programs, student success initiatives, and the integration of technology in education, while also addressing the institution’s alignment with Texas’ evolving workforce needs.
What were the university’s most significant achievements in the past year?
Sam Houston has upheld its commitment to serving as a steward of the community, aligning with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ vision. As an AASCU member, we fully embrace the idea that our presence should uplift our communities. Notably, our College of Osteopathic Medicine, situated in Montgomery County and Conroe, has seen significant growth. While we initiated this venture in 2020, the past year marked a crucial milestone as the state provided substantial funding to support our students.
Our students have demonstrated exceptional performance, with an extraordinary 99% pass rate on their second-level exams, which is a remarkable feat. Furthermore, their initial exams at the first level yielded an impressive 97.3% pass rate, surpassing the national average by 3%.
Our student body comprises bright individuals who chose Sam Houston to pursue careers as dedicated doctors serving their communities. Thanks to legislative appropriations, in the fall of 2023, we were able to slash tuition fees by over half. This substantial reduction eases the financial burden on our students, offering them greater flexibility in choosing their practice locations, whether in primary care or specialized fields.
What are the key growth opportunities for Sam Houston State University?
Our primary goal is to prepare graduates not just for immediate jobs, but for a dynamic job market characterized by innovation and disruption. We aim to reduce unemployment and equip our students with lifelong employability skills.
Our focus area includes Houston, Harris County, and Montgomery County. Healthcare is a strength, with our College of Osteopathic Medicine in Conroe and our renowned nursing program in The Woodlands boasting a 100% placement rate. We plan to expand by building a health professions facility in Montgomery County, introducing programs in physical therapy, dietetics, and occupational therapy.
Education is another strength, demonstrated by our top-ranked charter school in Houston. We aim to nurture both gifted and challenged students, so we’re enhancing our education program with a full year of student teaching for future teachers.
Our criminal justice program is highly regarded, and we’ve expanded into victim studies. We’re also expanding our cybersecurity programs to meet growing industry demands, combining our expertise in forensic science, law enforcement, and computer science. We operate the Cyber Forensics Intelligence Center and have received state funding to produce more forensic scientists, addressing the national shortage.
What key strategies have been employed to enhance student success at your institution?
To ensure student success, we’ve implemented several key strategies. One significant initiative is the First-Generation Student Center, established under our provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. This center, located in our library, provides essential support to first-generation college students, who comprise around 50% of our student body. It aims to help them navigate the complex language and processes of higher education, streamlining their access to academic support and tutoring.
Another essential program is the Bearkat Kickoff, which began in August last year. This program gives incoming freshmen a head start in getting accustomed to our campus. They arrive a week early and participate in more than 400 activities, including interactions with peers and mentors, as well as campus exploration. This early engagement has resulted in more proactive students who are better prepared for classes. Research shows that students involved in at least one extracurricular activity are more likely to succeed academically.
We also provide peer mentors to guide students in accessing various campus programs. Lastly, our Student Money Management Center is crucial in promoting financial literacy. Here, students receive assistance in creating budgets, financial advice, and support during financial challenges. We believe that wise money management is vital for their future success.
How does Sam Houston promote community engagement?
Our campus motto, “The measure of a life is its service,” reflects our commitment to community engagement. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni all embrace this ethos, finding fulfillment in extending a helping hand. We offer abundant service opportunities on campus, with students contributing thousands of hours.
Our Community Engagement Center goes beyond service; it integrates learning with service through ACE courses. These specialized courses involve trained faculty and students working on research projects to uplift our community. We believe in helping students understand their role in society, benefiting both society and the students themselves. Our center is robust, with faculty undergoing training to develop these courses for our communities.
How is the university using technology to improve the learning experience for students?
We recently completed a strategic planning process and received approval for our basic plan last year. In the fall, we focused on creating an implementation plan with clear goals, metrics, and timelines. Agility is a key aspect of our plan.
Traditionally, a student’s daily routine involved attending classes, participating in campus activities, and working, but today’s students have different needs. About 15 years ago, online learning was already a significant part of education. Today’s students require even greater flexibility.
Nearly half of our students are first-generation college attendees, and about half are Pell-eligible, indicating limited financial resources. Additionally, 70% to 80% of our students work. They come from various backgrounds, ranging from nontraditional students returning to school to traditional freshmen.
Technology plays a vital role in meeting these diverse needs by allowing us to be agile in accommodating individual students. For instance, a student can take a mix of in-person and online classes or choose a night class or an eight-week course. Technology provides the necessary flexibility.
Sam Houston State University is renowned for its SHSU Online program. In the past, around 25% of our students took online classes, but now nearly 40% enroll in at least one online course. We are known for our robust online classes and innovative course design, and we are continually working to expand our capabilities to accommodate our students’ diverse needs, regardless of their location. Flexibility remains our top priority.
What are your top priorities for the next two to three years for the university?
Texas is economically strong, unlike some states. However, our challenge is a lack of skilled workers entering the job market. We prepare graduates with essential skills, but we must adapt to industry changes, like AI. My primary objective is to remain relevant and provide a well-rounded education that includes history, political science, writing, problem-solving, teamwork, and insight into emerging trends. We must always stay attuned to the changing landscape.
We closely monitor the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which approves curriculum for institutions, including community colleges. They’ve initiated Talent Strong Texas to predict future workforce needs. Sam Houston aims to expand enrollment, improve retention rates, and enhance early career planning through the Career Center. We want students to translate their skills and experiences to align with potential employers’ needs and consider their future careers early in their education.
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