State of The University
State of The University (SOTU) is held annually at Tarleton State University, offering a platform for the university president to address the campus community and share updates on the institution’s progress, achievements, and future goals. The event brings together faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members to celebrate successes, acknowledge challenges, and foster a sense of collective purpose and engagement.
Watch 2025 State of The University
Historic Enrollment
For fall 2025, Tarleton State’s record enrollment exceeds 21,000, rising for the sixth year in a row. As a first-choice academic destination, enrollment of the top 10% of Texas high school graduates also jumped 21.9% from a year ago. The historic student body hails from 222 Texas counties, 48 states and 38 countries.
Introducing the Division of Health Sciences
Earlier this year, the elevation of the College of Health Sciences to Division of Health Sciences was announced. Within this strategic organizational structure, the School of Nursing, School of Kinesiology, and School of Health and Clinical Professions shifted to the new division, along with the proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine (applicant status — seeking accreditation).
Addressing Access and Affordability
The President’s Guaranteed Scholarship program will now be extended to master’s students beginning spring 2026. The award amount for eligible students will be dependent on semester hours enrolled. Additionally, since being introduced, the 125 Guarantee has been awarded to 935 recipients for a total of nearly $1 million and 296 certification exams have been reimbursed for $87,000.
Expanding Doctoral Offerings
Four doctoral programs are now offered, including the new Doctor of Occupational Therapy program that welcomed its first cohort for summer 2025. Plans are in place to launch another three doctoral programs in the next 18 months, pending approvals. Earlier this year, SACSCOC elevated Tarleton State to a level VI classification, the highest an institution can receive.
Research and Economic Impact
Research investment has reached record levels, approaching $25 million for fiscal year 2024. Expenditures toward research efforts have increased 89% since 2019. Tarleton State generated an estimated $2.9 billion in total economic impact to Texas and $1.7 billion for the region in FY 2022-23, according to a recent independent study by the global research firm Lightcast.