This article has been updated to include statements from The University of St. Thomas. The University of St. Thomas is actively exploring the possibility of a presence in Conroe, according to a statement the university made March 22. At the invitation of local officials, UST has been engaging in talks and plans are currently in development, the statement said. “Conroe is a dynamic city, and UST is excited at the prospect of a partnership," said UST President Richard Ludwick in the statement. Conroe City Council Member Jody Czajkoski announced the University of St. Thomas is coming to Conroe at The Pulse Luncheon State of the City address March 21. “We’ve got some exciting news to announce today; we’re going to be opening a new campus for St. Thomas University here in Conroe,” Czajkoski said. The Houston-based Catholic University of St. Thomas was founded in 1947 and welcomed its largest freshman class in its history last year, according to the statement. The school’s mission calls it to continue to grow and serve the local community by providing an education that impacts students’ lives and careers, the statement said. The Conroe campus plans to offer four-year business, education and nursing programs beginning in 2020, Czajkoski said. “When you’ve got good jobs you’re going to have good schools,” Czajkoski said. “When you’ve got good schools and good jobs, you’re going to have the tax base to have good infrastructure like new roads and water.” The campus location is planned along FM 2854 across from the Sacred Heart Church. The campus will start out in the former police department building with further buildout planned for the site. The university stated it plans to release more details soon, along with hosting an awareness event in Conroe.