Texas Legislature Approves $100M for Health Sciences Center

The Texas Legislature recently approved $100 million for the construction of a health sciences building on the campus of Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas. The funds come as part of a $3.3 billion campus construction project approved for universities around the state as the legislature’s special session came to a close, according to a news release.

“This state investment is a game-changer for Texas Woman’s, as the new building will allow the Denton campus to expand programming in high-need, health-related fields such as nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy and mental health, just to name a few,” said Chancellor Carine M. Feyten. “The benefit will be felt throughout the Texas Woman’s University System by alleviating pressure on the clinical programs in Dallas and Houston as well, better positioning all three campuses to grow as we operationalize our status as the first university system in the nation with a commitment to women.”

The bill was added to the agenda’s special session less than a week before it was approved. Feyten thanked three Denton County legislators (Sen. Drew Springer, Sen. Jane Nelson and Rep. Lynn Stucky) for securing the funds on such short notice. During testimony before the legislature during its regular session, Feyten requested funds for a health science facility on the Denton campus. She said the building would feature classrooms, offices, clinical space and laboratories and that it would replace existing but aging health facilities requiring significant renovation or expansion.

The building is estimated to cover 250,000 square feet and will come with a price tag of $108 million. The legislature’s funding would cover 92% of that. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott must still sign the bill before it can take effect.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Recent University of Pennsylvania Projects Receive LEED Certifications

    The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Penn., recently announced that three of its recent construction projects have earned LEED certifications, according to university news. The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology (VLEST) received a LEED Platinum certification, Amy Gutmann Hall a LEED Gold, and the OTT Center for Track and Field a LEED silver.

  • New Kent State Academic Building Earns LEED Silver Certification

    Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, recently announced that its newest academic building, Crawford Hall, has earned a LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, according to a news release. The facility was recognized for its innovative design, water conservation technologies, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable construction materials, among other features.

  • Average Annual Number of Tornadoes per State

    New Tornado Wind Load Design Criteria in IBC Offer Improvements to Life Safety

    For the first time in U.S. building code history, the 2024 International Building Code (IBC) includes tornado wind load design criteria, marking a significant advancement in life-safety provisions.

  • Spaces4Learning Announces Winners of 2025 Product Awards

    Spaces4Learning has just announced the winners of the 2025 Product Awards! The award program recognizes innovation and excellence in products that enhance learning environments in K–12 schools and institutions of higher education.

Digital Edition