St. Mary’s Breaks Ground at Innovation Center and Launches Bachelor of Nursing Degree

St. Mary’s University and its School of Science, Engineering and Technology broke ground on its three-story Innovation Center building today. The university also announced plans to donate $2 million to the project and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to be housed there.

The state-of-the-art 30,000-square-foot center will be named the Blank Sheppard Innovation Center, honoring a $2 million donation from Leland T. Blank (BS ’67), Ph.D., PE, and Sallie . Dr. V. Shepard

“Alumni and friends such as Leland Blank and Sally Shepard share a vision for the future of St. Mary. Their gift will continue to spark innovation for our students for years to come.” Yes,” said Thomas M. Mengler, JD, president of St. Mary’s College. “We are confident that this new collaborative space will enable students to turn pioneering ideas into next-generation realities.”

The building will serve as an incubator for innovative ideas, offering new laboratories, collaborative spaces, and programs focused on advanced manufacturing, metrology, data science, and machine learning. Additional research areas include additive manufacturing and reverse engineering, logistics and supply chain management, human/computer interaction, and engineering design.

“The integration of the liberal arts, engineering and sciences, and health care are hallmarks of St. Mary’s University,” says Blank. “We are extremely proud to be a part of this high aspiration.

Blank is a Trustee and Dean Emeritus of St. Mary’s College, American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Blank and Shepard are professors emeritus of engineering at Texas A&M University.

“The Innovation Center will enhance St. Mary’s University’s diverse and multidisciplinary programs, ensuring our graduates are ready for the demands of today’s workplace,” said Shepard. “Combining faith-based education with the highest quality programs will prepare our graduates to be the ethical and technical leaders of tomorrow.

The third floor of the building will be used to educate students in the planned Bachelor of Nursing program. Approximately 10,000 square feet will be dedicated to the nursing program, including faculty offices, flexible lab space, a seven-bed clinical skills lab, and four simulation suites.

Nursing programs can help fill critical gaps in local healthcare systems. According to the Texas Department of Health Services, Texas is projected to need 50,000 more nurses by 2033, including her 10,000 new nurses in Central and South Texas. will be

This new program adds to the university’s robust pre-health offering. For decades, St. Mary’s College graduates have been accepted into medical and dental schools at rates well above state and national averages.

“Our pre-health graduates become physicians, dentists, nurses, and allied health professionals dedicated to serving their communities. With our enduring tradition of preparing students, we are poised to graduate caring professionals dedicated to excellence in nursing practice and grounded in the mission of Our Lady.”

Leland T. Blank is Professor Emeritus of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Texas A&M University and Dean Emeritus of the University of Sharjah (AUS), USA. Blank and his wife Sally V. Shepherd founded an undergraduate scholarship fund for engineering students in 2012 at St. He Mary’s.

“Advancements coming from this innovation center will greatly benefit the university, alumni and faculty.”

Leland T. Blank

Blank was the Dean of the School of Engineering and the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at AUS. He held faculty and administrative positions at Texas A&M. He wrote a blank engineering economics textbook and is well versed in international higher education. He received the Wellington Award for his contributions to engineering economics in 2008 and the Industrial and Systems Engineering Society’s highest honor, the Frank Andlillian Gilbreth Award in 2018. I’m here. He will be inducted into the Roman Medal and Hall of Fame from Oklahoma State University in his 2021 season.

Sheppard is Professor Emeritus of Computer Science at Texas A&M University and served for 11 years as Vice President of Undergraduate Programs and Academic Services. She ended her academic career as Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at AUS. Shepard received the Texas A&M Former Student Outstanding Teaching Award in 1985 and the Administration Division in 1995. In 2014, she received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Texas A&M University.

“Combining a faith-based education with the highest quality programs will prepare our graduates to be the ethical and technical leaders of tomorrow.”

Sally V. Shepard