{"id":1748,"date":"2024-10-03T17:53:52","date_gmt":"2024-10-03T17:53:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/president\/?p=1748"},"modified":"2024-10-03T17:53:54","modified_gmt":"2024-10-03T17:53:54","slug":"2024-state-of-the-university-125-years-of-excellence-at-tarleton-state","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/president\/2024\/10\/03\/2024-state-of-the-university-125-years-of-excellence-at-tarleton-state\/","title":{"rendered":"2024 State of the University: 125 Years of Excellence at Tarleton State"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Purple<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Celebrating excellence across the board, Tarleton State University President Dr. James Hurley delivered his annual State of the University address today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith the support of our state legislature, The Texas A&M System Board of Regents and Chancellor John Sharp, we are shattering records in enrollment, research expenditures, student success and financial support while preparing our Texans to achieve excellence,\u201d he said. \u201cOur steadfast commitment to access, opportunity and affordability will continue to set us apart for the next 125 years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For five straight years, Tarleton State has achieved record enrollment, with approximately 18,000 students attending in fall 2024. Impressively, the Class of 2028 has surpassed 3,000 students, an 11% increase from the previous high and a 45% jump since 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hispanic enrollment has climbed as well and now accounts for 24% of the student population, putting the university closer to becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Tarleton Today, a program that allows students to earn university credit while completing graduation requirements at Texas high schools, has surpassed 3,100 students, a 64% increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opportunity is also expanding in Fort Worth, where first- and second-year courses are now offered for the first time across 24 undergraduate programs. The new Interprofessional Educational Building will officially open later this month, aiming to increase access to quality healthcare and education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The collective efforts of outstanding faculty and staff are being noticed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Money magazine named Tarleton State one of the \u201cBest Colleges in America\u201d for 2024. Their analysis showcased the country\u2019s top colleges and universities based on graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid and alumni salaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs we grow, student success remains at the forefront,\u201d said Dr. Hurley. \u201cWe will remain meticulous in finding innovative ways to ensure that our university remains a first-choice destination.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The biggest announcement came when the President articulated plans for a College of Osteopathic Medicine. A formal feasibility study and a search for the planning dean are already underway. Glaring disparities exist in healthcare access and quality in rural and medically underserved communities. Overall, Texas ranks 47th in patient-physician ratio, something which Tarleton State is equipped to address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continuing work to expand access to market-responsive programs, 10 new academic offerings have been approved or submitted over the past year, with 29 more already in the planning stages for the future. To meet workforce needs, 129 academic degree options are now available, including 35 that have been added since the start of 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New undergraduate degree programs in zoo animal care and management, social work, neuroscience, communication studies, and leadership and strategic studies debuted this fall plus master\u2019s degree programs in marketing along with construction science and management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Providing a streamlined pathway to earn both bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s degrees in five years, 28 new 4+1 programs were launched this fall across all colleges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Multiple initiatives were also announced today during the State of the University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To address affordability, Tarleton State will now cover first attempt fees for entry-level licensure and certification exams by reimbursing students upon successful completion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The university\u2019s 125 Guarantee was unveiled, with the program set to award bachelor\u2019s degree seeking students an amount of $1,000 if the student completes all degree requirements in four years after high school graduation. The award rate of $125 per long semester is symbolic of the university\u2019s 125 Years of Excellence celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, starting spring 2025, full-time Tarleton State employees will be eligible for a master\u2019s degree tuition benefit where the university will reimburse tuition and fees for those who successfully earn their first master\u2019s degree at the institution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur employees are a significant part of what makes our university special,\u201d said Dr. Hurley. \u201cWe appreciate the hard work they put in each day. This tuition benefit will transform many lives, and we look forward to seeing that positive impact for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A part of Tarleton State\u2019s strategic plan, silver-level Military Friendly\u00ae Campus designation was attained this year, signifying the university\u2019s investment in initiatives that improve the lives of veterans. Military Friendly\u00ae is a standard that measures an organization\u2019s commitment, effort and success in creating an environment that encourages military-connected individuals to realize their academic goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In pursuit of becoming a Senior Military College, Tarleton State has also announced that the Leadership and Military College will be the university\u2019s eighth academic college. Through the programs offered, students will be prepared for future leadership roles in the public and private sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In research and development, investment has reached record levels for the fifth consecutive year. Over the last five years, the university has nearly doubled its research expenditures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of ongoing construction efforts, numerous projects are rapidly progressing. The Event Center, Dick Smith Library expansion and the Health Professions Building are all slated to open by the end of next year. By next spring, a Buffalo Wild Wings and the Texans Campus Store are scheduled to be showcased on the first floor of the new parking garage located at North Saint Felix and West Washington streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The President added that future planned capital projects include a new Agriculture Building, a third building in Fort Worth and a new residence hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFrom academics and healthcare to the student experience and athletics, these construction projects will touch every part of our campus community,\u201d he said. \u201cWe are building something special to ensure the success of the next 125 years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continuing with the excellence theme, rodeo claimed the 38th and 39th national titles in program history earlier this year as the men won the team championship and Gus Gaillard brought home top individual accolades in saddle bronc riding. The women were reserve champions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In athletics, the four-year NCAA Division I reclassification successfully concluded, making the Texans championship eligible across all sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Underscoring the unbreakable bond among Tarleton State students, faculty, alumni, donors and the greater university community, the \u201cAlways, Texan\u201d comprehensive campaign was unveiled by Dr. Hurley, setting a goal of raising $250 million by 2030.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith our Texan Nation fully behind us, lofty goals are possible,\u201d he said. \u201cOur vision for the future is clear, and we are blessed to have supporters who believe in the power of a life-changing education. With their backing, Tarleton State will be the premier comprehensive university in the nation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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