STORIES
MAKE A GIFTSTORIES OF IMPACT
Every gift has a story. Discover how the generosity of alumni, friends, and supporters is transforming lives, creating opportunities, and shaping the future of Tarleton State University through the experiences of students, donors, and the communities they inspire.
Giving Back To Grow The Future
It was the connections he made at livestock and land judging contests and relatives who lived nearby that allowed Roy Russell to attend Tarleton State University in 1990. However, it was the strong agriculture program that made the university a good fit. When he first...
From First-Generation to Future Physician
Dafne Balderas ’26, a senior biomedical science major minoring in chemistry, is set to be the first person in her family to graduate from college and attend medical school. Originally from Waco, Texas, Dafne was raised by a single mother. She graduated from high...
A Future Written In Opportunity
Callie Hibbitts ’25, a former Tarleton State University first-generation English major, who had a focus in creative writing, graduated in December of 2025. While in high school Hibbitts took on leadership roles that transferred to her college career. While at Tarleton...
Giving That Lives On
Tarleton State University has benefited from the generosity of many alumni donors. Even in moments of loss, many choose to leave a lasting legacy by supporting Tarleton State. These deeply meaningful gifts, whether trusts, estate commitments, stock portfolios or other...
Three Generations Strong
Kari Haile is a successful, third generation Tarleton State University alumna. She is also one of Stephenville’s most respected entrepreneurs, founding Haile & Company Real Estate with her husband, Jim Ed. Kari’s success has grown with Stephenville and she has a...
From Student To Supporter
A first-generation student, Brent Gough grew up in a small Texas town never dreaming of attending college. His life’s plan changed, however, when Tarleton State provided Brent a chance to pursue a college degree. Over three decades later, Brent today is one of the...
Scholarship Sparks Leadership
The biggest impact the Mayfield-Dooley Scholarship has had on Rebecca came her second semester at Tarleton State. Dr. Mayfield, along with Dean Landaeta, got together with each Mayfield Program Scholar individually and invited them out to lunch. At Rebecca’s lunch Dr....