STEPHENVILLE — In his annual State of the University address today, Tarleton State University President Dr. James Hurley highlighted enrollment growth, academic program expansion, key infrastructure investments and the soaring national prominence of the institution.
“By expanding access, opportunity and affordability, Tarleton State is one of the fastest-growing universities nationally and No. 1 in Texas,” said Dr. Hurley. “We are educating Texans who will transform lives, uplift communities and inspire generations across our great state and the world. With first-class academics, innovative research, a steadfast commitment to student success and thriving NCAA Division I athletics, the future is bright for our institution.”
This fall, Tarleton State’s record enrollment exceeds 21,000, rising for the sixth year in a row. The historic student body hails from 222 Texas counties, 48 states and 38 countries.
As a first-choice academic destination, enrollment of the top 10% of Texas high school graduates also jumped 21.9% from a year ago.
“There has never been a better time to be at Tarleton State, and many of the best and brightest students throughout Texas are taking note,” said Dr. Hurley.
Additionally, Tarleton Today, the university’s dual enrollment program for high school students throughout the Lone Star State, is providing an affordable way to accelerate college preparation for nearly 6,000 students. It’s just one way that Tarleton State is addressing access, opportunity and affordability to make the college experience possible for more Texans than ever before.
Since 2019, 45 new academic programs have been added. This fall, the College of Leadership and Military Studies was also introduced as the eighth academic college, building on the university’s military legacy of over 100 years.
Notably, four doctoral programs are now offered, including the new Doctor of Occupational Therapy program that welcomed its first cohort this summer. Plans are in place to launch another three doctoral programs in the next 18 months, pending Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) approval. Earlier this year, SACSCOC elevated Tarleton State to a level VI classification, the highest an institution can receive.
Tarleton State was also named to Money’s annual “Best Colleges in America” list for the fourth straight year. This list showcases the country’s top values and is based on graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, alumni salaries and more.
With a focus on creating opportunity, Tarleton State has been ranked No. 1 in Texas for graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school for six years in a row according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Almanac.
“We are proud of what our graduates are accomplishing in Texas, the region and the world,” said Dr. Hurley. “Whether they are entering the workforce to meet demands or continuing their education to become leaders in their field, our Texans are making an immediate difference.”
In September, the grand opening of the state-of-the-art $80 million Health Professions Building showcased Tarleton State’s commitment to transforming healthcare access in rural and underserved communities. This facility features specialized laboratory space, a dedicated research lab, classrooms, a food and nutrition lab, and a 100-seat tiered lecture hall.
New academic programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy and physician’s assistant studies have specialty teaching labs available in the building.
Earlier this year, the elevation of the College of Health Sciences to Division of Health Sciences was also 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).
During the 89th legislative session, the Texas Legislature committed $5 million for the proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine to enhance rural healthcare across the state. Combined with a historic $12.5 million lead gift from alumnus Dr. Joe Long, this support is positioning Tarleton State to address healthcare needs throughout the region.
“The steadfast backing of our state legislature, The Texas A&M System Board of Regents, Chancellor Glenn Hegar and our proud benefactors is elevating Tarleton State to new levels,” said Dr. Hurley. “As we set records, they deserve credit for the upward trajectory of our institution.”
Focused on affordability when introduced at the State of the University a year ago, 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.
To expand access to graduate education, 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 and ranges from $500 to $2,000 annually. More information on the program will be announced soon.
By delivering access, opportunity and affordability to students, Tarleton State is transforming lives. According to an independent study by Lightcast, the university generates nearly $3 billion in total economic impact to Texas each year.
As the student body grows, campus continues to evolve.
The $130 million EECU Center opened in August and has already hosted Convocation and performances by Leanne Morgan and Koe Wetzel, with more to come. The venue has capacity for up to 8,000 for basketball games and more than 10,000 for concerts.
Construction is also nearing completion on the 10,000-square-foot Dick Smith Library expansion that will add a 24/7 space dedicated for student use.
Featuring 72 TVs and a capacity for 350 people, the first Buffalo Wild Wings on a college campus opened in March and will soon be joined by Texan Outfitters on the bottom floor of the new parking garage. In September, the university officially broke ground on a new five-story residence hall that will increase the number of beds available on campus by nearly 1,000.
Research investment has also reached record levels, approaching $25 million for fiscal year 2024. Expenditures toward research efforts have increased 89% since 2019 and the university has seen a nearly 50% increase in state appropriations over the last three legislative bienniums.
Tarleton State’s brand is on the rise as well. After Texan football defeated Army earlier this season, the athletics website experienced an 802% increase in traffic. National media outlets, including ESPN, CBS and FOX, prominently featured the university.
Athletics had a memorable first year following a successful reclassification to NCAA Division I, with women’s golf winning the WAC, track and field sending seven student-athletes to the NCAA Championships, football winning 10 games and making the FCS playoffs, women’s basketball earning a WNIT bid and softball reaching the WAC title game.
For the second straight year, men’s rodeo won the national championship and goat tyer Tori Brower claimed top individual honors for the reserve champion women. Tarleton State rodeo now has 41 combined team and individual national titles.
With much to celebrate, engagement has reached record levels, with new gifts and commitments increasing 29%, Giving Week contributions skyrocketing 189% and Tarleton State Alumni Association membership climbing 65%.
“Our supporters are behind us every step of the way,” said Dr. Hurley. “With their backing, there are no limits to what can be accomplished at Tarleton State.”
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