Patcraft Partners To Advance Neurodiversity in Education
Sam Houston State University (SHSU), through its College of Education, today announced the launch of the Center Advancing Neuro | Design for Learning Environments (CANDLE), a new thought leadership, research, and innovation collaborative dedicated to advancing neuro-centric learning environments. Patcraft joins the initiative as one of the Center’s first founding industry sponsors, bringing expertise in commercial design, research, and learning environments to help accelerate discovery and real-world application.
Based at Sam Houston State University’s College of Education, the Neuro | Design for Learning Collab brings together thought leaders, researchers, educators, designers, and industry partners to explore how the built environment influences learning, engagement, and human performance. As a founding industry sponsor, Patcraft joins internationally recognized educational researcher Dr. Lennie Scott-Webber and university faculty to translate academic research into evidence-based design solutions which have an opportunity to better support diverse cognitive, sensory, and behavioral needs.
The Center reflects SHSU’s longstanding commitment to preparing educators while expanding research that improves learning environments for students of every ability. Patcraft’s founding sponsorship helps connect this research directly with design practice and educational innovation.
“At the heart of this partnership is a strong commitment to expanding resources and specialized support for students with a wide range of learning needs. Our students will benefit from thoughtfully designed spaces and new opportunities that prepare them for a changing world, while allowing us to explore how innovative environments can enhance focus, engagement, and overall outcomes.” Dr. Abbie Strunc Interim Dean for the College of Education at SHSU.
As awareness of neurocentric needs continues to grow, the requirement for learning environments which support a broad range of learner needs has never been more important. Grounded in the belief that research-informed design can positively influence engagement, well-being, and educational outcomes, the partnership will advance knowledge and practical solutions focused on supporting every learner’s success.
“Meaningful innovation in education begins with an understanding of how learners experience the environments around them. This partnership creates a unique opportunity to examine how design can better support diverse cognitive, sensory, and behavioral needs. Through rigorous research and shared inquiry, we hope to generate knowledge which not only advances the field but also helps create more inclusive and effective learning environments for students everywhere; To Learn Together; Design Intentionally; and Advance Learning ” Lennie Scott-Webber, PhD, Founding Director.
“As the founding industry sponsor of the Neuro | Design for Learning Co-Lab, Patcraft is proud to help bridge academic research and real-world application,” said Paula Meason, Director of Education for Patcraft. “Working alongside SHSU and Dr. Scott-Webber allows us to transform emerging research into practical design solutions which help schools create environments where every learner has the opportunity to thrive.”
Together, Sam Houston State University, Dr. Lennie Scott-Webber, a founding partner Patcraft and the Center Advancing Neuro | Design for Learning Environments are creating a collaborative model connecting higher education, research, and industry innovation. Through this founding partnership, the Center aims to generate evidence-based knowledge that informs future learning environments and improves educational outcomes for learners everywhere.
Representatives from Sam Houston State University and Patcraft celebrate the launch of the Center Advancing Neuro | Design for Learning Environments Co-Lab
About Patcraft®
At Patcraft, we know the impact within a space goes well beyond the floor. From the impact of our products on human experience to the impact of our products on the floor and beyond, we merge performance and purpose in solutions that we stand behind. Grounded in deep industry knowledge, we deliver trusted, high-performing flooring solutions that meet the unique needs of commercial environments – designed for learning, healing, working and living. Our process is defined by our legacy; a mission that has guided us for more than 80 years, creating products that shape outcomes through design, performance and experience – solving real problems through purposeful innovation.
About the College of Education
Found in 1879 as the first teacher preparation institute in Texas and west of the Mississippi River, the college continues a rich legacy of preparing exceptional educators to impact the world. Our specialized programs are accredited, recognized, and award winning at the state and national levels.
About the Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University is a student-centered, community-engaged institution whose mission is to offer an accessible, quality higher education. It’s clearly defined belief statement, “The measure of a Life is its Service;” is mission central. The university offers a variety of innovative and flexible degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels focused on career readiness, personal and professional development and service. SHSU provides integrated academic and student success services designed to support traditional and non-traditional students from diverse backgrounds.