SMU’s Downtown Oakland Flagship to Open Jan. 5, 2026
Samuel Merritt University (SMU), a leader in healthcare education for over a century, today announced that its new flagship campus in downtown Oakland will open its doors on Jan. 5, 2026. The new campus represents a bold investment in the future of healthcare, strengthening partnerships with the community and local healthcare systems, attracting top talent and advancing health equity.
“This campus is Samuel Merritt University’s commitment to the healthcare workforce development that our region depends on,” said Ching-Hua Wang, MD, PhD, president of SMU. “By bringing thousands of our students, faculty, and staff to the city center, we are both honoring SMU’s 116 years of historic roots, revitalizing downtown Oakland, and shaping the future of health sciences education. This campus will be a catalyst for transformative impact on healthcare throughout the Bay Area and beyond in the next 100 years.”
“With advanced simulation suites, specialty labs and collaborative learning spaces, our students will train in settings that match the complexity of real healthcare,” said Brian Clocksin, PhD, provost of SMU. “These resources ensure that every graduate is practice-ready on day one and fully prepared to meet the needs of patients and communities.”
The economic and social benefits of the expansion extend beyond SMU’s student body. By drawing thousands of students, faculty and staff into downtown Oakland daily, the campus will boost local businesses, support small vendors through procurement partnerships and create a vibrant hub of activity. A new café prioritizing healthy and affordable options, an on-site bookstore and spirit store and multipurpose rooms for community events and trainings will deepen SMU’s ties to the city.
Beyond boosting Oakland’s economy, the new campus directly addresses the Bay Area’s critical shortage of healthcare workers. SMU’s goal to double enrollment over the next decade will accelerate the flow of graduates into local hospitals, clinics and community organizations. Its central location, adjacent to BART and surrounded by city amenities, ensures this opportunity is within reach for a broader, more diverse community.
In addition, the new campus was awarded a Fitwel 3 Star Rating, recognizing its use of several evidence-based design and operations strategies that support the physical, mental and social health of its occupants.
“This achievement underscores that our new campus is built to support students, faculty, staff, and partners not just in learning and work, but in overall wellness,” said President Wang.
With the new campus, SMU builds on more than 115 years of excellence in healthcare education while investing in Oakland’s future. To learn more about programs and admissions, visit www.samuelmerritt.edu.
