STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University has been named a Distinguished Military College by the U.S. Department of War as part of the new America’s Corps of Cadets initiative, promising priority in officer commissioning for participating programs.
Tarleton State is the first university in Texas to be included in the program, further strengthening its commitment to developing military leaders. Since 2022, the university has commissioned more than 100 officers through its Texan Corps of Cadets, which was reactivated in 2016. Today, the Corps has 215 cadets and offers pathways to military commissions through Army ROTC, Air Force ROTC and the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class.
“This historic milestone represents our unwavering commitment to serving the United States of America and honoring our proud military heritage,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “Our Corps of Cadets represents the very best of our institution. They truly embody the values of leadership, service and sacrifice. This national designation further strengthens our military and leadership education for generations to come.”
Hurley also credited the university’s supporters. “I am thankful for the steadfast support of our legislators, who champion Tarleton State at the state and national levels, as well as The Texas A&M System Board of Regents and Chancellor Glenn Hegar,” he said. “Tarleton State will always be a university that loves our country, stands for the flag and supports those who serve. We embrace this designation with pride and a sense of responsibility to prepare future leaders, preserve our military traditions and serve our nation.”
Tarleton State has been a member of The Texas A&M System since 1917.
“When I was commissioned in 1971, Tarleton State no longer had a Corps of Cadets,” said Bob Albritton, Chairman of the Board of Regents. “Since the Corps returned, President Hurley and his team have taken it to the next level, and today it has more than 200 cadets. The board of regents is proud to support Tarleton State’s continued growth and its important role in developing future military leaders as a Distinguished Military College.”
Chancellor Glenn Hegar pointed to a former Tarleton State student who went on to lead the A&M System.
“Texans know Earl Rudder took his Rangers up the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc and later led Texas A&M and the A&M System,” Hegar said. “Fewer know he went to school at Tarleton State and coached there before the war. Ten years after bringing its Corps of Cadets back, Tarleton State is carrying on Rudder’s legacy and has earned a place among the country’s Distinguished Military Colleges. That means more Tarleton State Texans will go on to lead soldiers, airmen and Marines.”
This fall, the Corps welcomed 103 first-year cadets, the largest class in its history.
“Earning this federal military designation is a significant achievement for the Texan Corps of Cadets and reflects the dedication and commitment of our cadets and leadership team,” said Col. Douglas L. Simon, Commandant of Cadets and Dean of the College of Leadership and Military Studies. “Our cadets take tremendous pride in this distinction, which recognizes the strength of our program and the caliber of leaders we are preparing. The designation opens new opportunities for our cadets while reinforcing our longstanding tradition of service to Texas and the nation.”
The Department of War memorandum describes the Distinguished Military College designation as a stepping stone for institutions that choose to pursue Senior Military College status. It also says selected institutions will earn “Honor School” status, which grants priority in officer commissioning. Six institutions, including Texas A&M, hold Senior Military College status, which is set in federal law.
The memorandum begins, “Our Nation’s academic institutions are essential to ensuring our Officer Corps is prepared to succeed on the battlefield today and in the future. Harnessing the positive influences of the pace and scope of industry along with rich military history and American values is the combination that creates an environment for leadership success. We must continue to develop warriors to lead our Nation for peace through strength.”
Established in 1917, the Tarleton State Texan Corps of Cadets was revived 10 years ago after more than six decades, renewing a longstanding tradition of military leadership and service. Today, the coeducational Corps provides leadership development opportunities for students from all academic majors, preparing cadets for military and civilian careers. Cadets may pursue military commissions through ROTC or follow a civilian leadership track with no military obligation.
In recent years, the university established the College of Leadership and Military Studies and the Center for Leadership and Strategic Studies to provide leadership development through education, research and service focused on domestic and international security issues, while also expanding ROTC opportunities through an agreement with Air Force ROTC to offer courses in aerospace studies.
Tarleton State joins Hillsdale College, Liberty University, Louisiana State University, Mississippi State University, and Tuskegee University, the first five institutions the department named when it launched the initiative, as well as the University of West Florida, named today.
To learn more about the Texan Corps of Cadets, visit corps.tarleton.edu/.
Watch Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s announcement.
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.