STEPHENVILLE — Tarleton State broke ground this afternoon for a $80 million Health Professions Building that will further establish the university as the leader of rural healthcare throughout the state.
The project was approved by The Texas A&M System Board of Regents last November, with move-in planned for summer 2025.
“Tarleton State is poised to be the educational epicenter for rural healthcare, not only in our region but beyond,” said university President Dr. James Hurley. “Nestled in the heart of rural Texas, our thriving comprehensive national university is ready to heed the call with the unwavering support of our state legislators, the Texas A&M System Board of Regents and Chancellor John Sharp.”
Nearly 20 percent of the U.S. population calls rural communities home, with these areas facing significant shortages of physicians and specialists. In Stephenville, the patient-physician ratio is 1,779 to 1.
Three new degree programs are set to be added in conjunction with the new facility, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physician assistant studies. Specialized laboratory space and public clinics will allow students to gain important hands-on experience in these areas. The new degree options join existing programs in kinesiology, nutrition science, social work, public health, athletic training, and communication sciences and disorders.
“It’s good to be back in Stephenville for yet another groundbreaking,” A&M System Chancellor John Sharp said. “Texas A&M System Regents are committed to making Tarleton into one of the state’s finest public universities.”
With nearly 40 percent of community hospitals in Texas in jeopardy of closure, Tarleton State is now positioned to serve a critical role in elevating healthcare in the Lone Star State by adding to the workforce in these locations of immense need.
State Senator Brian Birdwell (District 22) highlighted the significance from his perspective. “Healthcare that is accessible without having to drive to major metro areas is regularly discussed across our entire state. Today’s groundbreaking at Tarleton affords them the opportunity to lead in taking the necessary step in addressing those concerns and moving in the right direction to improve healthcare in our rural communities.”
As a Tarleton State graduate himself, state Rep. DeWayne Burns (District 58) emphasized the educational opportunities for future students that will result from the new facility. “Today is just the most recent example of the university’s steadfast focus on developing and graduating students who are ready to enter the workforce to benefit our region and beyond.”
With the impressive growth of Stephenville and Erath County in recent years, state Rep. Shelby Slawson (District 59) focused on how the new programs at Tarleton State will provide a strong public health infrastructure to assist with the demands of an increasing population.
“Today’s groundbreaking marks a historic day for rural healthcare in our region,” she said. “This facility will positively impact the lives of rural Texans for years to come.”
At 92,000 square feet, the new Health Professions Building will be located adjacent to the Nursing Building.
Perkins & Will is the architect, and Vaughn Construction is the contractor.
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