Tarleton, Mineral Wells ISD partner on admission, scholarships

6086 — Maria Jones, president of the Mineral Wells ISD board, and Tarleton President James Hurley sign a partnership that provides scholarships and guarantees admission to Mineral Wells high school seniors who graduate in the top 25 percent of their class. Standing, from left, are MWISD board members Lauretta Poole, Greg Malone and Donna Henderson, and Mineral Wells ISD Superintendent Dr. John Kuhn.

STEPHENVILLE — Beginning with the 2020-21 school year, Tarleton State University will provide annual scholarships and guarantee admission to Mineral Wells High School seniors who graduate in the top 25 percent of their class.

The Mineral Wells Independent School District and Tarleton leaders cemented the agreement last week.

As part of the program, called the Distinguished High School Partnership, Tarleton will waive ACT (American College Test) or SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) requirements for students in the top 25 percent of their class and application fees for those who qualify. The university will offer scholarships of at least $1,000 each year to Mineral Wells’ top graduates.

“Our reputation for student focus and big-effect undergraduate research is growing,” said Tarleton President James Hurley. “With that comes our ability to attract high school seniors who want more than classroom knowledge. They want know-how. This collaboration aligns with our mission to provide a high-quality experience to students in our own backyard.”

Tarleton is developing similar agreements with school districts in the region.

“As a proud Mineral Wells Ram and Tarleton Texan, I am extremely excited about the opportunities this partnership creates for our students,” said Dr. John Kuhn, superintendent of the school system. “Tarleton is a fantastic university, and Mineral Wells High School graduates are the best and brightest around. I’m grateful to the school board and the leadership of Tarleton State University for making this happen.”

Tarleton, founding member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven education marked by academic innovation and a dedication to transform today’s scholars into tomorrow’s leaders. It offers degree programs to more than 13,000 students at Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian, RELLIS Academic Alliance in Bryan, and online, emphasizing real-world learning experiences that address societal needs while maintaining its core values of tradition, integrity, civility, excellence, leadership and service.