Tarleton to begin construction on Field Machinery, Fabrication Lab

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Courtesy TARLETON

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Tarleton State University

STEPHENVILLE (September 2, 2015) — Construction of Tarleton State University’s new $3.8 million Agricultural Field Machinery and Fabrication Laboratory begins this month at the Tarleton Agricultural Center, with completion slated for August 2016.

The 24,000-square-foot facility will rise near the front entrance to the Agricultural Center at the intersection of FM 8 and College Farm Road (County Road 518).

The facility will include three 6,000-square-foot laboratories—one each for studies in metal fabrication, agricultural power applications and agricultural structures. Also included will be space for four classrooms, a computer laboratory, faculty offices and meeting spaces.

The steel structure will have metal roofing, but its facade will combine stone wainscot, a Dryvit finish and R-panel metal siding. Flooring will be sealed concrete; lighting will be LED.


 

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“This construction will give us a first-class laboratory facility for our agricultural mechanics program,” said President F. Dominic Dottavio. “Tarleton historically has been a leader in agricultural education, and our investment in this facility will enable us to maintain that leadership.”

Funding for the project comes from Permanent University Funds granted by The Texas A&M University System and $277,863 in donations, predominantly from the Pevehouse Family Foundation, a supporter of Tarleton and its agricultural mechanics program.

“This is a major advance for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,” said Interim Dean David Drueckhammer.  “We are most grateful for the support of the Pevehouse Family Foundation and Tarleton’s executive leadership.”

The new facility will enable the college to unite activities occurring in three separate buildings. The programs currently are housed in two structures off Washington Street adjacent to the Tarleton Horticulture Center and a third location west of the College Farm’s Equine Center.

“The facility primarily will house agricultural mechanics, which supports the agricultural teacher-education program,” says Dr. Ted Ford, professor of agricultural and consumer sciences. “Agricultural mechanics is one of the most sought after qualifications for hiring new agricultural-science teachers in Texas. Extension and Industries students will take advantage of the facility as well.”

“The study and application of agricultural mechanics is important to all disciplines across the agriculture industry,” said Dr. Rudy Tarpley, head of the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Sciences. “As Tarleton continues to produce more high-quality secondary agricultural teachers and extension agents, we consider it our privilege to provide preeminent instruction in agricultural mechanics— metalwork, engine theory and construction skills.”

For more information about Tarleton’s College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, visitwww.tarleton.edu/coaes. To learn about the various degree programs offered by the Department of Agricultural & Consumer Sciences, see www.tarleton.edu/agservices.


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