{"id":1127,"date":"2022-10-13T16:35:16","date_gmt":"2022-10-13T16:35:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.tarleton.edu\/president\/?p=1127"},"modified":"2022-10-13T16:35:16","modified_gmt":"2022-10-13T16:35:16","slug":"2022-state-of-the-university-tarleton-is-scaling-the-heights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/president\/2022\/10\/13\/2022-state-of-the-university-tarleton-is-scaling-the-heights\/","title":{"rendered":"2022 State of the University: Tarleton is Scaling the Heights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Purple<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Calling 2022 a year of unprecedented progress, Tarleton State University President James Hurley today illuminated some highlights and shared a vision for many more in his annual State of the University<\/a><\/strong> address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn every area \u2014 enrollment, scholarship, research, athletics, philanthropy, engagement \u2014 Tarleton is strengthening its position alongside America\u2019s great public universities,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd the best is yet to come.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enrollment records have improved each semester for the past three years, and fall 2022 saw another all-time high exceeding 15,000 students \u2014 up nearly 14 percent from 2019. The Class of 2026, approaching 2,500, is the largest, most diverse and best academically prepared group of freshmen in Tarleton history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Texas residents account for 96 percent of enrollment, giving the university bragging rights for a student body with the third highest number of Lone Star counties represented (233). Many \u2014 50 percent \u2014 are the first in their family to attend college. Hispanic students make up 22.4 percent of overall enrollment, edging the university closer to becoming an Hispanic-Serving Institution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Hurley: \u201cWe\u2019re a close-knit family that cares for one another, all of us united by our history and traditions. Our students love this very special place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Collaborations with two-year Distinguished College Partners and regional Distinguished High School Partners continue to ensure that no talent is left behind, as qualifying students receive guaranteed scholarships and admission. More than 220 high schools and 36 community college campuses participate, and the numbers continue to rise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

True to its 123-year drive for academic might, Tarleton introduced six new market-responsive majors in fall 2022 (14 since 2019) \u2014 including a master\u2019s program in mechanical engineering \u2014 to connect students to growing professional fields and fuel economic growth. Soon the university will add a fourth doctorate, a PhD in animal and natural resource sciences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tarleton\u2019s nationally recognized School of Engineering is now the stand-alone Mayfield College of Engineering, named in honor of longtime benefactor and retired Lockheed Martin executive Dr. Dwain Mayfield. College of Business programs are in the top 5 percent worldwide, and a realigned College of Health Sciences is improving access to vital healthcare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This fall\u2019s invitation to join the prestigious Association of Public and Land-grant Universities underscores Tarleton\u2019s place among the top schools in North America and complements its elevated designation of Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity<\/em>. An uncompromising dedication to life-changing research and student success perfectly complements the APLU mission to improve lives and livelihoods through a university degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMake no mistake, Tarleton is on a trajectory to greatness,\u201d the President said. \u201cThe next generation of engineers, educators, healthcare professionals, creatives, scientists, communicators and entrepreneurs will be Tarleton Texans. Count on it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A second structure is rising on Tarleton\u2019s 80-acre Fort Worth campus. At more than 100,000 square feet, the $66 million Interprofessional Education Building will expand academic offerings and help researchers tackle the medical and educational challenges of North Central Texas. Move-in is set for 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The President noted that economic developers and regional leaders have long expressed the need in Stephenville for a multipurpose facility to accommodate large crowds. Seating up to 7,500, the $110 million Convention and Events Center \u2014 completion projected for 2025 \u2014 will sport NCAA Division I basketball facilities and room for conventions, concerts and academic symposiums. University convocations, commencements and student activities will have an indoor home, and Stephenville will enjoy increased revenue from community and regional events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just in time for Homecoming 2022, additional seating at Memorial Stadium increases capacity to nearly 24,000. The anticipated Aquatics Center is open, baseball and softball facilities are enhanced, and track and field is set to receive a permanent home ahead of the 2022-23 season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWithout question we belong at the top,\u201d Dr. Hurley said. \u201cWe\u2019re setting a high bar. The world is taking notice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tarleton\u2019s men\u2019s rodeo team won its fourth national title this summer, and women\u2019s tennis enjoyed an undefeated conference season, leading to the university\u2019s first NCAA Division I team championship. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The men\u2019s basketball team faced two of the nation\u2019s best, Gonzaga and Michigan, and<\/p>\n\n\n\n

softball received Tarleton\u2019s first D-I postseason invite, competing in the 2022 National Invitational Softball Championship. Women\u2019s soccer debuted in fall 2022, and men\u2019s golf \u2014 gone since 1995 \u2014 is back. In football, Texan nation challenged TCU in front of more than 43,000 fans, bringing Tarleton spirit to Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And they did it all while recording the highest Academic Progress Rate (990) in university history, improving Tarleton\u2019s NCAA APR record (987) for any first-year school reclassifying to D-I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Hurley applauded Tarleton\u2019s philanthropic visionaries, who once again set a record for their generosity in fiscal year 2022 \u2014 an almost 300 percent increase in new gifts and commitments since 2019. After eclipsing its initial $100 million goal two years ahead of schedule, the university announced a revised target of $125 million for its largest-ever comprehensive capital campaign to commemorate the school\u2019s 125th anniversary in 2024. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is such a blessing to have forward-thinking friends and family who consistently give more, and we are grateful. Our benefactors know that when we grow and rise, our students, our communities and our region absolutely do, too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He saved for last what some would call the best news: a tuition and fee benefit for qualifying employees and their dependents. Starting in the spring, the university will cover 50 percent of tuition and mandatory fees for those pursuing bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s degrees at Tarleton. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are only as proficient as we are prepared. Strengthening our employees strengthens Tarleton,\u201d Dr. Hurley said. \u201cThey deserve our respect for wanting to better themselves. We are delighted to reward that determination with tuition assistance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more about the\u00a0Tarleton\u00a0Family Education Benefit Program<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n