Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Focus on pathways to healthcare professions and partnership with UNT Health
It was a milestone many years in the making, as UNT Dallas dedicated a new state-of-the-art STEM Building on Dec. 2, 2025.
University leaders and other dignitaries cut the ribbon to celebrate the new STEM Building. Reflected in the windows is the Ryan Tower.
University leaders, elected officials, UNT System colleagues, healthcare practitioners,
and other dignitaries marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting near the same spot where groundbreaking was held two years ago. It will open for Spring semester classes
on Jan. 12, 2026.
The Vision, The Mission
Remarkably, the $100 million dollar facility was completed on-time and under budget.
It is a testament to the vision, dedication and persistence of an incredibly talented
team. From its early concepts to its legislative funding, from its unique design to
its innovative academic programs, this four-story structure symbolizes UNT Dallas’
mission.
President Warren von Eschenbach highlights the STEM Building's purpose and innovations to news media
“Today we celebrate opportunity – for our students, for employers across North Texas and for the communities we serve,” said UNT Dallas President Dr. Warren von Eschenbach. “This new STEM facility allows UNT Dallas to help meet urgent healthcare and workforce needs at a time when the demand for nurses and other practitioners continues to dramatically outpace supply.”
The cutting-edge building features 18 classrooms; 12 laboratories, including nine teaching labs and three research labs; a dedicated Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) office; multiple collaborative spaces, faculty offices and a large event venue. The facility also features extensive natural light, energy-efficient design and outdoor study areas that reflect UNT Dallas’ Tree Campus USA designation.
Timelapse video shows how the construction progressed from September 2023 to November 2025.
Biology Professor Dr. Aubrey Frantz (middle) and Dean of Students Jennifer Skinner (left) speak with senior Princess Johnson in a new science lab
Innovation and Transformation
"This building is a space designed to expand opportunity, strengthen innovation, and empower the next generation of leaders, scholars and changemakers both here in North Texas and beyond," said Dr. Christopher Markwood, Interim Provost. "We are grateful you’re here to celebrate this transformational moment for our students, our university and our growing community.”
Academic programs housed in the facility at launch include biology, chemistry, mathematics
and neuroscience. High-impact instruction will prepare students for careers in medicine,
nursing, pharmacy, dentistry and optometry, and a robust Pre-Health Professions Program will guarantee medical-school admission opportunities for eligible students. These
programs are part of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
This UNT Dallas microscope marks a milestone: Seeing something small may lead to big ideas
Smaller class sizes and direct access to faculty will help students develop personalized academic roadmaps, supported by one-on-one mentorship for pre-health majors, many of whom are first-generation college students seeking stable, in-demand and well-paying careers, with purpose.
"This building gives our students a clear pathway to the health professions and opens
up so many possibilities for teaching, research and degrees that were previously out
of reach," said Dr. Muhammed Yousufuddin, a Chemistry professor. "It is truly a game
changer and I am so excited for what it means for our students."
UNT Dallas chemistry professor Dr. Muhammed Yousufuddin gives a tour of a new STEM
building Classroom
Pipeline of Healthcare Professionals
Texas has one of the largest nursing shortages in the country. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the state currently faces a deficit of more than 48,000 registered nurses, which will grow to 50,000 by 2027 and 57,000 by 2032. The unmet demand for RNs will remain a persistent 15-16% gap each year, with hospitals shouldering the greatest need. Additional statewide data shows 64% of Texas hospitals have reduced services due to staffing shortages.
Photo Gallery of STEM Building Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Tour
The new STEM facility directly responds to these challenges by expanding UNT Dallas’ capacity to train future healthcare professionals through accelerated pathways to medical and health careers, including nursing, dental, pharmacy, optometry and other fields. These programs are offered in collaboration with UNT Health Fort Worth’s Colleges of Nursing and Pharmacy and the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine.
"Our unique partnership with UNT Health leverages the strengths of faculty from both
institutions and offers new academic options for healthcare degrees and careers,"
said Jessica Alvarez, Asst. Dean for Student Success in Health Programs. "Students can choose from an accelerated PharmD and our proposed dual degree BAPH/BSN,
which includes practical experience through clinical shadowing and volunteer opportunities."
UNT System Chancellor Dr. Michael K. Williams (left) seated with Texas State Sen. Royce West and UNT Dallas's Dr. Mario Casa de Calvo, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The celebration included UNT System Chancellor Michael R. Williams and State Senator Royce West (D-TX23). West is known affectionately as the "Godfather of UNT Dallas" for securing state funding to build the university and continually advocating for additional government and community support. Funding for the STEM facility was awarded by the Texas Legislature during the 2021 legislative session.
The building was designed by Stantec and HarrisonKornberg Architects, with Vaughn Construction serving as general contractor.
UNT Dallas students take a selfie in elevator of the New STEM building
As the only public, four-year university located in the city of Dallas, UNT Dallas continues to expand access and upward mobility for its more than 3,500 students. The new STEM facility strengthens the university’s role in preparing career-ready professionals for high-demand healthcare and STEM fields, while supporting regional employers and advancing economic development in southern Dallas and beyond.
From UNT Dallas – Featured News