Denton Health Sciences Center groundbreaking marks a milestone for Texas Woman’s University

Texas Woman’s University is set to begin construction on a new $107 million health sciences center in Denton. The state-of-the-art facility, spanning 136,000 square feet, is expected to be completed by 2025 and will welcome students that fall. TWU already has health science centers in Dallas and Houston, but recognized the need for a modern center to serve both rural and urban health settings in North Texas.

The decision to build this new center was fueled by the desire to train qualified students who can address the healthcare needs of underserved areas. Currently, nursing and health science students are required to earn their degrees in Dallas and Houston, often resulting in them staying in those areas after graduation instead of returning to the rural areas that need their expertise. The center in Denton will address this issue and is projected to produce 30 graduates initially, with the potential for an additional 500 to 750 graduates, primarily in nursing.

With the closure of numerous hospitals across the country and the discontinuation of birthing services in many areas, the need for healthcare professionals has never been greater. TWU aims to fill this gap by offering new programs at the Denton campus, including physical therapy and the School of Nursing. This expansion has been a long time coming, as TWU has been working towards securing the necessary funding since 2016. The tuition revenue bond, which was finally approved in 2021, will make this project possible.

The health sciences center will be organized by specialty, allowing for an interprofessional education model where students can learn from various disciplines and integrate their knowledge into healthcare practice. This approach will foster team-based collaboration and be supported by cutting-edge facilities, including labs, classrooms, an outdoor clinic, a community clinic, and a teaching kitchen. The center will also feature advanced telehealth infrastructure to extend its reach beyond Denton.

To support the construction and operation of the center, TWU has launched a $125 million Dream Big campaign. The campaign aims to raise funds for scholarships, endowed professorships, and equipment, all of which will contribute to the success of the center and the education of future healthcare professionals. With $103 million already raised, the campaign is scheduled to conclude in 2026, coinciding with TWU’s 125th anniversary.

In summary, the new health sciences center at Texas Woman’s University in Denton will address the healthcare needs of underserved areas in North Texas. By offering innovative programs and state-of-the-art facilities, TWU aims to train highly qualified students who will make a difference in improving healthcare outcomes for patients. With the support of the Dream Big campaign, the center is poised to become a gold standard in medical education.