TAMU-CC Awarded $467K Grant to Help Address Texas Nursing Shortage

At Island Hall on the campus of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, students are preparing for moments that can mean the difference between life and death. Inside, those in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CONHS) are building the skills and confidence they’ll carry into emergency rooms, hospitals, and clinics — helping strengthen a workforce facing critical shortages across Texas.

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the state is projected to face a shortage of more than 50,000 registered nurses by 2036. To help meet that need, TAMU-CC’s CONHS has been awarded a $467,093 grant through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s FY 2026 Nursing Shortage Reduction Program (NSRP).

“This investment allows us to do what we do best, support our students from day one through graduation and beyond,” said Dr. Christina Murphey, Associate Dean of Nursing. “We’re not just filling seats; we’re preparing the nursing workforce the Coastal Bend needs.”

The competitive program supports efforts to expand nursing education capacity across Texas. Over the next two years, the funding will enhance student recruitment, retention, and graduation outcomes, while also expanding access to clinical and simulation-based learning.

At the Island University, students train in high-tech clinical skills labs designed to mirror real hospital environments, complete with multiple patient beds, monitoring equipment, and advanced mannequins that simulate a wide range of medical scenarios. Virtual reality tools further immerse students in hands-on experiences, from surgical procedures to childbirth, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world care.

“The Coastal Bend faces significant healthcare access challenges, and TAMU-CC is uniquely positioned to educate nurses who reflect and serve this community,” Murphey said. “Every graduate we prepare is an investment in the health of South Texas.”

The university is among the top 20 recipients out of 85 institutions funded statewide. The award represents the largest single NSRP grant the college has received.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students,” said Dr. Hassan Aziz, Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. “We are grateful for this investment and remain committed to preparing highly skilled nurses who will make a meaningful difference in the health and well-being of the communities they serve.”