Texas A&M University Expands Nursing Program to Meet Growing Demands in McAllen, Texas
McALLEN, Texas – In response to a critical shortage of nurses in the region, Texas A&M University is launching a long-awaited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen (HECM). The inaugural class of 25 students is set to begin on January 12, 2026, marking a significant step forward in meeting the healthcare needs of the Rio Grande Valley.
Meeting Local Healthcare Needs
The decision to expand the nursing program into McAllen stems from rising community demands for qualified nursing professionals. Dr. Leann Horsley, Dean of the Texas A&M University College of Nursing, emphasized that the program aims to provide the same high-quality education that students receive in Bryan-College Station, complete with rigorous curriculum standards and experienced faculty.
“We just now offer it in the Valley so these aspiring nurses can study close to home,” she remarked.
This strategic initiative allows students to gain a high-quality education while contributing to their local community’s healthcare framework. As a part of this program, students will receive the same diploma and Aggie Ring as their counterparts studying in Bryan-College Station.
Importance of Local Access to Nursing Education
Community and education leaders in McAllen recognize the need for more healthcare providers. Dr. Deb Wise, a retired administrator who played a pivotal role in developing the program, highlighted that the emotional stories and passionate appeals from local community members demonstrated the urgent demand for nurses in the area. Her initiative began nearly a decade ago, long before the formal launch of the BSN program.
“Education and health care are the foundation of a community,” Wise stated, emphasizing her desire to create a sustainable nursing workforce.
Forming partnerships with clinical education leaders, Wise actively engaged with local officials to ensure the program would meet both educational standards and local needs.
Regional Collaboration
Collaboration has been central to this initiative. Partners in the community, including Dr. Daniel P. King from the Region One Education Service Center, affirm that nursing programs must expand to accommodate the increasing number of qualified high school graduates eager to enter the healthcare field.
“Our nursing programs in the Valley have grown, but they don’t have enough seats,” King noted, underscoring the local urgency for nursing education opportunities.
According to the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies, the state of Texas is projected to be short over 56,000 registered nurses by 2036, with the Rio Grande Valley facing an even steeper shortage of approximately 6,000 nurses, or a 30% gap. This program aims to alleviate that pressure by preparing local students to serve their communities efficiently.
New Nursing Education Facilities
In a significant development, Texas A&M broke ground on the Nursing Education and Research Building on the HECM campus in January 2024. This state-of-the-art facility will feature four nursing classrooms, study areas, and a 10,000-square-foot clinical simulation center, providing students with hands-on learning experiences essential for their training.
Leadership and Faculty
To oversee the program’s expansion in McAllen, Texas A&M has appointed Dr. LeRoy Marklund, a retired U.S. Army veteran and seasoned educator. With his extensive background in serving the military and committed experience in nursing education, Marklund is poised to lead this endeavor.
“Dr. Marklund is uniquely qualified to lead our expansion in McAllen,” said Horsley, who showcased his ability to connect with students as crucial for this new location.
Marklund’s leadership experience and understanding of the collaborative nature inherent in nursing will foster a strong educational environment conducive to student success.
Lifelong Commitment to Community
As the program gears up for its launch in McAllen, the excitement is palpable among both faculty and management.
“We feel welcome and privileged to serve this region,” Horsley stated. The commitment does not end with education; Texas A&M is continuing to foster partnerships that enhance both student education and community health.
Marklund echoed this sentiment, stating that his military experience taught him that “the success of our team depends on how we can support each other,” a philosophy directly applicable to nursing education.
Conclusion
The launch of the Texas A&M University nursing program in McAllen signifies a vital investment in both healthcare education and the local community. As the region anticipates its first cohort of nursing students, the goal is not just to provide the education required for nursing degrees, but to create a sustainable healthcare workforce that meets the needs of a growing population.
For more information on the nursing program, community partnerships, and the educational facilities available at HECM, visit Texas A&M University College of Nursing and the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center.
By fostering a local commitment to healthcare education, Texas A&M University not only enhances nursing education accessibility but also ensures that the students of McAllen are prepared to serve their communities effectively.
