STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University has received the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, reaffirming the university’s long-standing commitment to community engagement, service and partnership. The designation was first awarded to Tarleton State in 2020.
Tarleton State is one of 277 colleges and universities nationwide — and the only school in The Texas A&M System — that currently hold the designation.
The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, administered by the American Council on Education and developed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, recognizes institutions that demonstrate meaningful collaboration between campuses and their local, regional, national and global communities. The designation highlights practices that support shared partnerships, address community-identified needs and enhance teaching, learning and scholarship.
“This designation affirms what our communities have long known, Tarleton State is deeply committed to service and to creating meaningful impact beyond our campus,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “By embedding community engagement into the student experience, we ensure our graduates are prepared to lead, serve and succeed in an ever-changing world.”
The 2026 endorsement reflects years of continued growth in outreach, service-learning, community-based research and institutional coordination across academic and administrative units. The effort began in January 2024 and was guided by a Community Engagement Council representing faculty, staff and leadership from across the institution.
“Being awarded reclassification of the Carnegie Community Engagement is a testament to the dedication our students, faculty, staff, and community partners have invested together to address vital community needs while engaging our students in high-impact learning experiences,” said Dr. Misty Smith, Community Engagement Council committee chair and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Development. “Many thanks to Tarleton’s cross-divisional Community Engagement Council for guiding this initiative and showcasing the vital work happening throughout our institution and within our campus communities.”
Tarleton State University remains committed to strengthening partnerships that improve quality of life, expand educational opportunity and advance economic and social well-being throughout Texas and beyond.
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 21,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For over 125 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.