Become a Texan

Shayla Priddy

Tarleton has always been a part of my family. I am a third generation Tarleton student. My maternal grandparents both attended Tarleton when it was a two year institution known as John Tarleton Agricultural College. When the North Texas Agricultural College (UT-Arlington) airplane went down, my maternal grandfather was on campus. He also shared books with one of his friends during his time at Tarleton because book prices have always been high. His cousin was one of the Ten Tarleton Sisters, otherwise known as the Purple Poo, during her time at Tarleton. She tells stories about her identity almost being revealed on several occasions. 

My paternal grandparents both attended Tarleton when it was known as Tarleton State College. My parents and three of my aunts and uncles attended Tarleton. My paternal grandfather asked my grandmother to marry him on the steps of the auditorium, where the Hunewell Bandstand is now. My dad asked my mom to marry him in the exact same spot 21 years later.

Tarleton has deep ties to my family, but it wasn’t the only thing to bring me here. There are so many academic possibilities at Tarleton. I have been a part of the Presidential Honors Program throughout my college experience. This has added another facet to my education.  I feel prepared for whatever comes my way in the future.

Tarleton has opened many opportunities to me. Through my local involvement with the Tarleton chapter of Phi Eta Sigma National Honors Society, I have gained the opportunity to serve on the National Executive Committee. There is no limit to what you can achieve at Tarleton State University.

BLEED PURPLE!

Shayla Priddy
Senior, Mathematics
Stephenville, TX

Clint Billingsley

Tarleton is one of the best choices I've made in my life. Becoming a "Tarleton Texan" and being accepted into the Tarleton family has been life changing.

Being involved on campus in organizations that appeal to me has not only allowed my personal self to shine, but it has also allowed me to live to my highest potential.  Becoming involved in professional organizations has given me a whole new outlook on life and has allowed me to grow into a successful student. The opportunities put before me have been overwhelming and rewarding. This involvement lead me to receive the Freshman Participation Award, and acceptance into some of the most prestigious honor societies such as Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Eta Sigma and others.  I hold several professional positions currently, including Vice President of University Operations for the Student Government Association, President of Colleges Against Cancer, Vice President of Texans Promoting Tolerance, and Assistant Director of Duck Camp. All of this has been made possible due to the support and motivation I received from fellow students in organizations as well as faculty members.

The most rewarding opportunity bestowed upon me is the office of Student Body President. I hold this position with upmost respect, and I look forward to serving my fellow students throughout the 2011-2012 academic year. All of my successes at this university have been made possible due to the support and assistance from faculty, staff, and administration, as well as my fellow Texans and TexAnns - better known as my brothers and sisters at Tarleton State University.

BLEED PURPLE!!!

Clint Billingsley
Junior, Agriculture Business
Iowa Park, TX

Kyle May

I chose to attend Tarleton State University because it provides the rich history and special traditions of larger universities in Texas, while still maintaining a personable learning atmosphere. While Tarleton was close to home, living in Stephenville combined the best of small-town living with big-city convenience.  In addition, I met my wife at Tarleton and as alumni, we remain connected to the Tarleton family.

The sociology program at Tarleton State University not only equipped me with the skills necessary to analyze and explain social behaviors, but also exposed me to my current field, criminal justice. The same practices of observing social interactions and collecting empirical data used in sociology are applied to explain criminal behavior and interactions among criminals, the criminal justice system, and society. My background in sociology and relationships with Tarleton faculty have shaped my worldview in a way that allows me to think critically about the simplest social relationships and the most complex social institutions.

After graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Sociology degree, I immediately began work on my Master of Criminal Justice degree while working with Tarrant County Juvenile Services.  The job involved working with high-risk juvenile offenders in a secure detention facility. Once I completed the master's program, I began employment at Hill College as an instructor of criminal justice, where I currently teach a wide range of undergraduate criminal justice classes.

When I reflect on my experiences at Tarleton, I realize that I did not “go” to Tarleton; I “became” a Tarleton Texan. BLEED PURPLE!

Kyle May
Alumni, Social Work, Sociology, and Criminal Justice

Alycia Pruitt

"There is no place like home, there is no place like home, there is no place like home," in the words of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. I have truly found that there is no place like the home that is Tarleton State University.

I have come to find my home and family within the rock walls of Tarleton. I did not bother applying to any other University because I knew that there was no other school that could offer what Tarleton offers its students.

Tarleton provides you with faculty and staff who get to know each of their students on a personal level. We are unique individuals who are challenged on a daily basis to stand up and stand out in a positive way. We are encouraged as Tarleton students to leave a lasting legacy behind.

Our University President and Administration know students on a first name basis and encourage an open door policy to listen to student concerns. My college experience is one that I will cherish for a lifetime because I got involved and embraced the college experience with open arms.

I challenge each new student to get involved, make a difference, become a leader, and embrace the Tarleton traditions. I am Tarleton because I stand for leadership, integrity, diversity, family values, and pride in tradition.

- Alycia Pruitt, 2011 Alumna, English, Student Body President (2010-11)

Sy Broumley

"I have pushed myself to be involved in a wide array of organizations where my different abilities could shine through.

Student Government Executive Council has shown me that I am a strong leader with a striking force of professionalism and reason.

Being a Duck Camp Leader has shown me that I can be outgoing and also create and maintain interpersonal relationships.

Tarleton has built the foundation, involvement has laid the bricks, and my willingness to learn has placed the roof.  Moving forward into my future will lead me to use all of the tools Tarleton State University has provided me with."

-Sy Broumley, 2010 Alumnus, Communication Studies

Brittany Brady

"Tarleton offers tradition, spirit, value, and first rate academics.

There are so many opportunities on campus and in Stephenville for students to get real world experience while working on any degree program.

Our university is only going to continue to grow and I can not wait to see what this university becomes when we welcome more to the Texan family. "

-Brittany Brady, 2010 Alumna, Purple Poo Member

Li Wang

"I spent the last 3 years studying at Tarleton and I finished my Master's degree in Information Systems (MIS). I chose the MIS program because I wanted to learn more computer skills which would help me to locate a job, and it did find me one!

I focused on taking some programming, database, web design and multimedia classes in order to achieve my goal of study.

For my experience in Information Systems, I can say that if you want to boost your career up to a management level, or improve your computer skills and step into this field, the Master of Information Systems program is right for you!" 

-Li Wang, International Student, 2010 Alumna, Master of Information Systems Graduate

Hannah Harris

"Whether it was a smile from fellow students walking to 8 am classes or the spirit that fills the stadium, Tarleton has granted me a sense of community.

Tarleton offers real world experiences and thoroughly prepares students for life after college. I encourage future students to get involved to meet people the entire time they attend."

-Hannah Harris, 2010 Alumna, Bachelor of Business Administration

Mollie Fullagar

"Going to Tarleton has turned into a tradition in my family. My grandmother came here in the 1930’s. Both of my older sisters have graduated from Tarleton, and my brother is also a current student.

The type of degree plans that are offered at Tarleton, the size of the university, and the "homey" feeling I have in Stephenville just finalized my decision of higher education.

With agriculture being one of the focuses at Tarleton, I feel that the professors can give Agriculture students like myself great opportunities to find our places in the world.

With the Fall of 2010 being my third semester, and being a second semester sophomore, the excitement of getting into my degree classes is setting in! Thinking about the next two and half years that I have left at Tarleton excites me because I know that it’s going to be some of the best years of my life. Tarleton is now my new home!"

-Mollie Fullagar, Junior 2011, Animal Production

James August Reed

"Tarleton State University has forever changed my life. I came to Stephenville with one goal: to receive a bachelor’s degree. I’m leaving with an BS in Agriculture Economics, a BBA in Finance, and I’m currently working on a Master of Business Administration with leadership emphasis amid high hopes of a Doctoral degree on the horizon – all because of Tarleton. Tarleton extended my initial goal by giving me the opportunity to grow not only as a student but as an individual. This to me is the Tarleton difference. Here at Tarleton you have the opportunity and resources to extend your horizons and grow far beyond your highest expectations. 

Student involvement in university activities is available to every student within the gates of Tarleton. The Tarleton experience gives its students the ability grow and achieve beyond your typical degree program.  The leadership skills I have gained here at Tarleton are second to none, for me these experiences made the difference in my educational pursuits and self development.  In my time here, I have been able to become a two year member of the Student Government Association Executive Council, co-founded the student organization Texans Promoting Tolerance, and received the highest award bestowed on any student at Tarleton - the John Tarleton Spirit Award. 

I came to Tarleton to experience and receive an education; Tarleton State made this chapter of my life one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences possible. The bond is built the moment you walk through the gates of Tarleton as a freshmen and it is carried with you far beyond your graduation from this great university as an alumni."

-James August Reed, 2010 Alumnus, Graduate Student, Business Administration