Become a Texan

Caryne Hampton

 Tarleton was not my first choice when I was looking at colleges during high school. My parents drove me to Stephenville for a tour. That’s all it took. I decided that this was the school for me.

My major is biology. There are a ton of subjects under biology, but I love anything to do with bacteria or viruses. I want to work with them when I graduate and start doing research.  While working with these microscopic organisms, I want to study their DNA, learn which part makes us sick and possibly find a way to "turn off" those genes. I currently am doing research with a professor sequencing DNA and learning all the skills that will be useful in my future.

My Residential Leader really showed me all the amazing aspects of our school and helped me get involved on campus. I now serve as a Residential Leader and love it. This year I went through Greek Recruitment and found a place in the Phi Mu family. I love Katy Perry, and I went to her concert two summers ago. When I have the money to spare, I like to go to Golden China by the movie theatre. The quality of Chinese food is amazing for Stephenville.

Even though I am involved on campus, my grades are the number one priority. College is about attending classes and doing your best. My favorite professor so far is Dr. Peter Bell from the Chemistry department. He really interacts with the class and makes it very personal. He knows the people who were genuinely interested with the course by name and likes to make inside jokes with the class. He is always willing to go back through a concept and expand on it allowing students to understand it fully.

I am a very focused student at Tarleton. I am glad that I can show my resident students that there are many aspects to college life here.   My parents were spot on, I have grown to love Tarleton and bleed purple.

Student:  Caryne Hampton
Major:  Biology
Hometown:  Leander, Texas

Desmond Robinson

My first time ever visiting Tarleton was during my sophomore year of high school in the spring of 2007. One of my football teammates had invited me out to something called the "Texan Tour.” I wasn't too thrilled because I had never heard anything about the university and I had my mind set on another school.

That all changed when I walked into the doors of the Kinesiology Building. I remember being greeted by tour guides and faculty members with extreme enthusiasm. When I walked into Wisdom Gym this doubled and I began to feed off that energy.  I really fell in love with the people, campus, and strong love for traditions. As we left that day I called my mom and let her know that I was going to be attending Tarleton State University in 2010.

However, with the grades I had in high school being accepted was no easy task. That’s when the Student Success program really helped me with entrance into the university. I remember promising that I would take advantage of this great opportunity since most kids like me didn't get this kind of chance. So I made sure I stayed on top of my homework, made good grades, joined a Greek Organization, served on Freshman Representative Council, and participated in numerous campus events.

Tarleton definitely has been one of the best choices I've ever made. The family atmosphere, the love of the university’s unique history, and the strong bond with our brothers and sisters both living and deceased is matched by none. I will forever be proud to be a TEXAN!!!!!!

Desmond Robinson
Crowley, TX
Sophomore, Marketing Major, College of Business Administration

Andy Vazquez

At first glance Andy Vazquez, a senior Business Management major from L. C. Anderson High School in Austin, appears to be a typical Tarleton State University student. He loves pizza, catching up on “The Walking Dead” on Netflix, and is excited about graduating in May, 2013.

Then there is the other Andy Vazquez who has been inducted into five honor societies: Phi Eta Sigma, Sigma Alpha Pi, The National Society of Leadership and Success, Delta Epsilon Iota, Delta Mu Delta, College of Business Honors Society, and Alpha Chi, National College Honor Society of the Top 10 percent of college institution’s juniors & seniors. He also serves the university as a Tarleton Ambassador.

The following Q&A with Andy will give you more insight into his college experience and why Tarleton makes a real difference for his future.

1. Who is your favorite professor and why?

There are many incredible professors at Tarleton but I would have to say it is a tie between Joanna Shaw and Cary Winsett. They are both really great teachers and teach every subject in a way that makes it relevant and easy to comprehend for students. They have great personalities and their passion for teaching makes class that much more enjoyable. 

2. What is your favorite subject to study within your major and why?

I really like Organizational Behavior and Business Ethics because both subjects incorporate how people communicate and make decisions in businesses on a more psychological level. These studies go deeper into individual personalities, cultures, experiences, etc. and show how these differences can vary the success of an organization. I also really liked Business Strategies because it ties everything I have learned from previous semesters and it is rewarding to see how everything ties together and to really be able to understand everything.

3. What are your career aspirations?

I hope to someday run a Forbes Global 2000 company, and if I could be the founder/owner of that company then that would be incredible. After a few years of gaining real-life experiences in the business world I want to give back to the youth by becoming a college professor or finding a position at a university in which I could share my knowledge and experiences with students. 

4. Who are your favorite musicians/music/bands?

My absolute favorite band of all time is a Spanish rock band called Mana, but you can never go wrong with Michael Jackson.

5. What is your favorite on-campus study location and why?

Definitely the bottom floor of the library, on a computer, because it is quiet and I do not get phone service down there.

James Peiskee

"Why Tarleton?

There were several reasons, but I decided on Tarleton for my graduate degree mostly because of the faculty. I have come to know most of the mathematics faculty very well, and I am still amazed by how invested they are in their teaching. All my professors have been easily approachable and always willing and able to explain a concept that I am having difficulty with, while at the same time encouraging independent learning.

They are not only passionate teachers, but also active researchers; I have worked with one of my professors on a project involving disease modeling, and I intend to begin this summer on my next project of interest.

Attending Tarleton has been (and will be) a wholly positive experience for me. It is a huge part of who I am, and I feel it has a lot to do with my success as a student.

My current plans are to go on and obtain a Ph. D. in mathematics, and do research in whatever area I decide to specialize in. There is no doubt in my mind that my Tarleton education and the meaningful connections I’ve made with faculty and other students will prove invaluable to me in the future."

James Peiskee
Graduate Student
MS, Mathematics

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 2011-2013 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

Hannah Moore

My father, mother and sister all attended Tarleton, where my dad was a member of the Purple Poo. Their experiences and the quality educations they received ahead of their careers as public school teachers made my decision to attend Tarleton an easy one.

I knew I wanted to become a teacher one day, and after finding out more about the education program, it was obvious that I needed to attend Tarleton. Going through grade school I had teachers who were Tarleton graduates. I heard many stories about how Tarleton has prepared them very well for teaching.

When I first came to Tarleton I knew I wanted to major in education, with a focus on early childhood through 6^th grade. This is my third year at Tarleton, and I am still happy I made that decision. I cannot wait to graduate and be in the classroom.

The professors here in the Curriculum and Instruction Department go above and beyond supporting their students for success, by using real life experiences and bringing the school classroom to the Tarleton classroom. My professors have the right amount of enthusiasm that is contagious, which makes future teachers confident and excited for teaching.

I feel as if the College of Education at Tarleton is more of a family and the backbone to my own educational success. I know my professors want to help prepare me to become a self-directed professional and have a systemic understanding of education.

Since becoming a Tarleton Texan I’ve grown personally by serving as a Tarleton Ambassador, being held to high academic standards by my professors, as well as taking advantage of the many opportunities for professional and career development.

Looking back, I know I made a great decision and am confident that I will leave the gates of Tarleton prepared for a successful career in educating the next generation of students.

Bleed Purple!!!

Hannah Moore
Interdisciplinary Studies – College of Education