This is a special time on campus, with much anticipation for what lies ahead this academic year. As we embark on this journey together, the energy and optimism surrounding us is unrivaled. Each fall when a sea of purple arrives, our community transforms. Your pride in this place we all call home is truly incredible.
Generations of Texans before us have contributed to making our university the exceptional institution it is today, something we will recognize over the coming days and months as we celebrate 125 years of excellence. We invite each of you to join us for a commemorative ceremony and celebration Sept. 3. For more information, visit www.tarleton.edu/125years/.
As we honor our remarkable history, the future looks bright.
Preliminary enrollment numbers show fall 2024 will exceed 17,000 students, a 13% increase from last year. With over 3,000 new students, the Class of 2028 is the largest group of incoming first-time college attendees in our history. Our dual enrollment program, Tarleton Today, is expanding access to over 2,500 students who are signed up to earn credit in STEM and agricultural classes while completing graduation requirements at Texas high schools.
This semester, new undergraduate degree programs in zoo animal care and management, social work, neuroscience, communication studies, and leadership and strategic studies serve as further examples of our emphasis to meet market demand. Additionally, master’s degree programs in marketing and construction science and management will debut this fall.
To further establish our university as a leader in research and innovation, we also officially opened our new state-of-the-art Research and Economic Development Building this summer. This facility will provide a boost to sponsored research and regional partnerships as we continue to improve the lives of Texans.
The towering cranes around campus showcase our sustained progress toward becoming the premier comprehensive university in the nation. Over the course of the next year, work will continue on our $110 million Event Center and $80 million Health Professions Building, with each scheduled to open in 2025. These new facilities will provide tremendous regional impact. The Dick Smith Library expansion project is underway as well, adding a 24/7 space dedicated for student use with individual study rooms, collaborative study rooms, instructional space, meeting rooms and multipurpose space. We are also excited to debut a new parking garage located at North Saint Felix and West Washington streets this fall, creating hundreds of additional spots for students and employees.
To meet the needs of the nation’s fastest growing metropolitan city, our Fort Worth campus along Chisholm Trail Parkway will begin offering 24 undergraduate programs to serve first- and second-year students this semester. Combined with the addition of the 100,000 square foot Interprofessional Education Building, we are positioned well to increase access to quality healthcare and education in the region and beyond.
In athletics, after an incredible four-year reclassification period, our Texans are here to compete for championships this fall as full NCAA Division I members. With impressive Academic Progress Rates and multiple regular season and postseason championships in recent years, our teams are prepared to raise our national prominence.
Collectively, we are ready to carry our momentum into another memorable year at Tarleton State. We hope you will join us for some of these exciting upcoming events:
— WOW Week is underway with plenty of activities for all to enjoy.
— Women’s soccer hosts Mississippi Valley State at 7 p.m. tonight and Houston at 1 p.m. Sunday.
— Texan football opens the season at 2:30 p.m. Saturday against McNeese State. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN2, providing an opportunity to display our school spirit to a large audience. The team then plays at Baylor on Aug. 31. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.
— To celebrate 125 years of excellence, join us for a commemorative ceremony in Wisdom Gym at 3 p.m. Sept 3. The ceremony will be followed by an anniversary celebration starting at 5 p.m. featuring family-friendly activities in Heritage Park and the O.A. Grant Green Space, including inflatables, games, food trucks and cupcakes.
— Tarleton State Night at the Texas Rangers is set to take place Friday, Sept. 6. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. as the defending World Series champion Rangers welcome in the Los Angeles Angels.
— Family Weekend is set for Sept. 27-28 and is highlighted by the annual Ring Ceremony.
— Homecoming runs from Oct. 6-12. Festivities include the Lighting of the Smokestack, Silver Bugle Hunt, Beating of the Drum, Launching of the Ducks, Purple Pancakes, Yell Contest, Snake Dance, Bonfire, a parade and a packed Memorial Stadium for a battle against Utah Tech.
Kindall and I look forward to the memories we will create together with you this academic year. We are thankful to the faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends who make Tarleton State special. Your efforts help lay the groundwork for those who will pass through these gates over the next 125 years.
Welcome back, Godspeed, and may you forever Bleed Purple!
Dr. James Hurley
President