H.R. No. 422
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, St. Edward's University celebrated the grand
opening of its School of Health Sciences on January 28, 2025; and
WHEREAS, The school completed the initial phase of
construction in the summer of 2024, and it welcomed its first
nursing students the following fall semester; the launch of the
nursing program will be followed by the introduction of
occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, and physical
therapy programs, as well as master's and doctoral degrees in
nursing; currently, the university also offers a health systems and
administration degree for professionals pursuing nonclinical
health care positions; and
WHEREAS, The expansion of its health science course offerings
is part of the school's Strategic Plan 2027, which aims to help
address Austin's ongoing nursing shortage while providing access to
quality education; additionally, the university has established
partnerships with health care and community organizations to serve
the Central Texas area; and
WHEREAS, The new nursing program facilities feature multiple
simulation labs equipped with high-fidelity manikins, allowing
students to participate in various patient care scenarios; in
addition, it has a physical and wellness lab, a clinical skills lab,
and a women-childcare-family suite; the program benefits from the
able leadership of its founding director, Dr. Donna Beuk, who is
also serving as interim dean of the School of Health Sciences; and
WHEREAS, The establishment of the nursing program at
St. Edward's demonstrates the institution's commitment to
preparing future health care professionals for careers in this
important field, and it is indeed fitting to recognize the school as
it embarks on an exciting new chapter in its history; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the launch of the nursing program at
St. Edward's University's School of Health Sciences and commend all
those involved in bringing this project to fruition; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the school as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Flores
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 422 was adopted by the House on March
13, 2025, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House