At the invitation of Conroe city leaders, the University has been engaged in talks and plans are currently in development to open a satellite campus in Conroe.

“There are many reasons that the University of St. Thomas has been looking north toward Conroe,” UST President Richard Ludwick said. “The city has an abundance of great people, outstanding leadership, and truly beautiful land. We are confident that the community would be a good fit for UST.”

Because of high demand for nursing degrees, UST plans to offer its nursing program at this second location beginning in fall 2020.

"The faculty of the Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing and I are delighted at the opportunity to bring our nursing program to serve the community of Conroe," Dr. Poldi Tschirch, professor and Dean of the Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing. "The encouragement that we have received from community leaders, outstanding clinical facilities and potential student population all will contribute to a successful partnership between the university and the community."

Conroe has built out temporary classrooms in its old police station. The future St. Thomas campus would reside in Deison Technology Park, which has infrastructure in place such as sidewalks, fountains and utilities. Based on fundraising, UST could offer its first classes in a few years pending the success of the initial efforts.

The University plans to release more details soon, in conjunction with an awareness event in Conroe.