Photo of the University of North Texas at Dallas campus via UNT Dallas
A state-funded science building at the University of North Texas at Dallas could produce generations of doctors, nurses and healthcare workers.
The $100-million building is “a game-changing addition to the university at a time when professionals in health care and science-related-fields are needed more than ever,” the university stated in a media release.
UNT-Dallas says its STEM programs are growing rapidly, offering these statistics comparing 2017 to now:
| Biology | Public health | Information technology |
|---|---|---|
| 2,600% increase | 1,820% increase | 570% increase |
| 260 now enrolled | 91 enrolled | 134 enrolled |
The university in southeast Oak Cliff has increased its course offerings in these areas, but it doesn’t have enough laboratory space. So some students have to take their labs at a nearby community college.
Early plans for the new building include flexible teaching laboratories, collaborative research laboratories, active learning classrooms, space for faculty, and informal collaborative spaces throughout the building.
“This is a complete game changer,” Muhammed Yousufuddin, assistant professor of chemistry, stated in the release. “A new science building will allow us to substantially expand our science programs in areas that were not possible before because of lack of resources and infrastructure. It will also give us an edge in recruiting not just students, but faculty as well.”
The university’s Joint Admissions Medical Program also provides a pathway for outstanding students to enter medical school.
UNT Dallas has also forged a strong partnership with the UNT Health Science Center, a premier postgraduate medical education institution in North Texas, to establish a pipeline for healthcare education and to address a projected state shortage of 3,375 primary care physicians by 2030.
The building is expected to be completed in 2025.
