STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Seeing shades of purple as you drive around town? An almost year-long initiative between Tarleton State and the city of Stephenville recently concluded with the installation of 36 Tarleton-themed signs on streets bordering the campus. 

The signs along West Washington Street, North Harbin Drive, North McIlhaney Street and West Frey, plus at other intersections along the perimeter, now sport eye-catching purple placards that pop with white letters and the Tarleton logo emblazoned on the edge.

Lindsay Hope, Tarleton Manager of Licensing and Trademarks, spearheaded the move, first cruising about in a golf cart to identify all the streets and intersections touching the campus, then consulting with Stephenville Streets Superintendent Randy Singleton for the best sign makers. She contracted NSTS, LLC in Seguin, Texas, to make the signs, which went up in mid-June.

“The city of Stephenville could not have been more helpful,” Hope said. “From recommending reputable sign companies to installing the signs, they were amazing to work with. Now the streets ‘bleed purple,’ and when you enter campus you know you’re entering Texan Nation.”

One major sign, over the stoplight at West Washington Street/South Lillian Street, could not be changed because TxDOT maintains it.

Singleton said the new signs should have the same visibility and reflective qualities as the previous green ones. All are HIP (high intensity prismatic) white lettering on dark backgrounds.

“Definitely being purple catches people’s attention here in Stephenville,” he said. “I’ve heard a few people say how nice they look. With the Tarleton emblem on the edge, they look really good.”

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 approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 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.