Welcome home, Texans!
We are thrilled to have you as a part of our Texan family for what promises to be another memorable year. With a record number of students, growing academic offerings, significant construction progress and a host of exciting events on the schedule, there has never been a better time to be at Tarleton State University.
This summer delivered multiple reminders of the incredible trajectory we are on.
In early June, the Texas Legislature committed $5 million for our proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine (applicant status — seeking accreditation), our SACSCOC classification was elevated to the highest level an institution can receive and rodeo won its 40th and 41st national championships at the College National Finals Rodeo, a testament to the sustained success of the program.
More good news was delivered in July, as Money magazine named Tarleton State to its “Best Colleges in America” list for the fourth straight year.
Our fall preliminary numbers once again indicate record enrollment, meaning that our university is transforming more lives than ever. Additionally, we now offer 137 total degree programs, giving students from all walks of life access to a first-class education at an affordable price.
To continue building on our momentum, we will also celebrate two historic grand openings this fall.
The EECU Center, which officially opens tomorrow at 10 a.m., will be a new event hub for the region. A comedy performance, major concert and basketball games are already slated, with more to be announced soon. This venue is a significant addition to our region that will elevate Stephenville and the surrounding area for years to come.
At 92,000 square feet, the new Health Professions Building positions our university to continue to help address the dire healthcare needs in rural and underserved areas throughout our state. The facility will feature specialized laboratory space and public clinics to allow students to gain hands-on experience. The grand opening celebration is set for 10:30 a.m. Sept. 11.
And our work to enhance the student experience is just getting started! We will break ground on a new residence hall featuring approximately 1,000 beds in September and the Dick Smith Library expansion project is making progress to add a 24/7 space dedicated for students by October.
Some other highlights for the upcoming fall semester:
- Week of Welcome runs through Aug. 27 and features a host of events for all to enjoy.
- Texan football enters the season ranked No. 10 in the Stats Perform FCS Preseason Top 25 Poll and will welcome Mississippi Valley State for the home opener Sept. 6, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. The team is set to play on national TV at Portland State (Aug. 23 on ESPN2) and at Army (Aug. 29 on CBS Sports Network) to start the 2025 campaign.
- Comedian Leanne Morgan will perform live for the first ticketed event inside the new EECU Center Sept. 7. The next weekend on Sept. 13, Texas singer-songwriter and Tarleton State alumnus Koe Wetzel returns to campus for the first concert in the new venue. Tickets are on sale here.
- Family Weekend is slated for Sept. 19-20.
- Homecoming will take place Oct. 12-18.
After recently concluding our historic 125 Years of Excellence celebration, we now have the opportunity to begin writing the story of the next 125 remarkable years. With incredible faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends, there is no doubt that the future will be bright.
As the fall semester begins, our favorite time of the year returns with it. Kindall and I are thrilled to have each of you here with the rest of our Tarleton State family for what is sure to be an exciting year.
Welcome back, Godspeed, and may you forever Bleed Purple!
Dr. James Hurley
President