WACO, Texas — A quarter-century of educational opportunity and community partnership took center stage Wednesday as Tarleton State University and McLennan Community College (MCC) celebrated 25 years of collaboration at Tarleton State Waco.
University and college leadership joined faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners for the anniversary ceremony at MCC’s Michaelis Academic Center, reflecting on the partnership’s growth and continued impact across Central Texas.
“For 25 years, this partnership has been about more than two institutions working together. It has been about understanding the needs of this community and creating opportunities for students to succeed,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “As Waco and Central Texas continue to grow and evolve, we have a responsibility to evolve alongside them, ensuring our academic programs prepare students to meet the needs of the region. We are incredibly proud of this partnership and the thousands of lives it has impacted.”
Since establishing its presence at MCC’s University Center in 2001, Tarleton State Waco has grown from a small operation into an established university location with more than 40 faculty and staff and over 20 degree offerings. Approximately 1,000 students have graduated through the partnership in the past five years alone.
“Dr. Hurley and I share a love for students and that has always guided the decisions we make,” said MCC President Dr. Johnette McKown. “Tarleton State has made a tremendous difference in our community. So many students have been able to continue their education right here at home because of this partnership.”
The institutions have also strengthened pathways to degree completion through initiatives such as the MCC to Tarleton State Dual Admission Program, which provides coordinated academic advising, streamlined transfer opportunities and additional support for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 28,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 127 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real-world learning and address regional, state and national needs.