Sam Houston State Breaks Ground on New Active Learning Center

Sam Houston State University recently celebrated the groundbreaking of its new Active Learning Center (ALC), a state-of-the-art facility designed by PGAL to advance the university’s commitment to innovation in teaching and learning.

Providing full architectural and civil engineering services, PGAL has shaped a bright, modern environment that encourages creative instruction and collaboration among students and faculty. “Collaborating with Sam Houston State University has allowed us to design a building that reflects the university’s commitment to hands-on, interdisciplinary learning. The new Active Learning Center will provide an environment where students and faculty can engage, adapt, and innovate together, setting a new standard for academic spaces,” states PGAL principal Eric Miller, AIA.

University leaders and project partners gathered to mark this milestone, which SHSU President Alisa White described as representing “years of dedication to improving student outcomes and encouraging innovative teaching,” adding that the building will “stand as a testament to [our] innovative teaching in the past and [our] commitment to innovative teaching in the future.”

Set for completion in early 2027, the 46,421-square-foot facility will occupy a central location on campus alongside other recent additions such as the Interdisciplinary Building and Welcome Center. Designed to serve as a vibrant campus hub, the ALC will feature flexible, technology-rich spaces including the “Egg Over Easy” Lecture Hall, Student Study Pods, and multiple Learning Studios that foster connection, creativity, and hands-on engagement.

Read more on SHSU’s website: https://www.shsu.edu/news/2025-news-stories/alc-groundbreaking