Sam Houston State University has been recognized as the recipient of the 2026 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Adoption & Engagement, an international honor recognizing institutions that demonstrate exceptional leadership in driving institution-wide adoption through strategic implementation, proactive support and continuous improvement.
Presented annually by Blackboard, the Catalyst Awards celebrate institutions and individuals around the world who leverage technology to create innovative, impactful and student-centered educational experiences. Since 2005, the awards have recognized organizations that are advancing teaching, learning, accessibility, engagement and institutional success through meaningful innovation.
SHSU Online was recognized for its implementation of the deep embed strategy, a framework developed by Ruth Chisum, assistant vice president for SHSU Online Operations, that positions learning technologies as essential institutional infrastructure integrated into teaching, learning, student support and operational workflows.
