Recognizing Dr. Alisa White, President of Sam Houston State University

Floor Speech

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Mr. LUTTRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize President Alisa White of Sam Houston State University for her dedication, devotion and leadership in service to Sam Houston State University, its students and all Texans. Like Sam Houston himself, Dr. White saw Texas as a land of promise, offering opportunities for bold enterprise and she is delivering on that promise every day.

Assuming the role as President of SHSU in August of 2020, Dr. White brought her leadership to the University in a time of disruption, change and uncertainty in education. The COVID pandemic had rendered the college experience unrecognizable. Finding a way through the pandemic, protecting her students and maintaining excellence, President White showed true leadership.

Dr. White is truly committed to Sam Houston's first-generation college students and those coming to the school from low-income households. In every conversation with Dr. White, she speaks of her commitment to these students and to giving them the tools they need to be successful. This led to the establishment of the First-Generation Center to offer tailored resources and support to this cohort of students.

Sam Houston has recently launched the Polytechnic College, known as SamPoly. This initiative aims to provide students with practical, industry-aligned education to meet the evolving demands of the workforce. True to Dr. White's mission to provide opportunities for students across multiple interests, SamPoly is breaking barriers to education and leading to success for an ever-growing range of student interests.

In tune with the needs of the country and the interests of the students, President White has thrown her full support behind a new commitment to Cyber Studies. Both degreed and certificate level programs are growing at Sam Houston and the school is working with the CIA, FBI, DHS and other agencies to create a pathway to jobs in this fast-growing field.

Under her leadership, the SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine is making a name for itself in the medical field. Training predominantly Primary Care Physicians, they will serve throughout Texas and the U.S. in underserved communities. Since Dr. White coming to the helm, the medical school secured an investment from the State of Texas for $32 million and an additional $23 million in pledges and gifts in 2023 alone.

It's not just in the classroom that Dr. White is making a difference. On the fields and courts, and even on the beaches, with the introduction of Beach Volleyball this year, Sam Houston students are reaching new heights. Dr. White has brought her brand of energy to Sam Houston State University and the feeling on campus is electric.

As a Sam Houston State University graduate, I Could not be prouder to offer this commendation to my fellow Bearkat--Dr, Alisa White. Her leadership and service to the University and to Texas are unrivaled.

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