STEPHENVILLE — Tarleton State University celebrated nine Legacy and Distinguished Alumni award recipients Saturday night at the 2026 Gala, An Evening in Purple, inside the EECU Center in Stephenville.
“Tonight reflects our shared commitment to something larger than ourselves,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “Because of the incredible support for our institution and these amazing awardees, students who once questioned whether college was within reach now pursue their dreams with confidence and purpose.”
The annual event highlights Tarleton State’s mission of expanding access, opportunity and affordability while raising support for transformational initiatives such as the Tarleton Promise program. The Tarleton Promise scholarship transforms the futures of high-performing students facing extraordinary hardships. At this year’s gala, senior environmental science major Anise Christensen shared her story as a keynote speaker and recipient of the Tarleton Promise scholarship.
Presidential Legacy Awards recognize individuals and supporters who exhibit the university’s core values of excellence, integrity and respect. Honorees are selected by Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley.
Distinguished Alumni recipients bring distinction to Tarleton State through their career, community service or leadership. Honorees are nominated by their peers and selected by the Tarleton Alumni Association Board of Directors.
This year’s Presidential Legacy Award recipients:
Gene and Barbara Sherwin
Gene Sherwin and his wife, Barbara, had a simple idea when they retired to Stephenville three decades ago: minister to college students. The couple met while both were students at Purdue and have traveled the world as Gene’s career as an engineer with Shell Pipeline Corp. required.
“I’d never heard of Tarleton State, but we went to visit,” said Gene, who grew up in Indiana. “At the Baptist Student Union, we asked what was most needed for the program and they said, ‘People to work with college kids.’ I said, OK, Lord.”
Once they arrived in town, the Sherwins went to work sharing their home and their faith with Tarleton State student-athletes. “We invite them to come to eat,” Gene said. “We’ve provided 1,000 meals to various athletics teams.”
Barbara, a native of Gatesville, cooks the meals and says they enjoy visiting with their young guests. There are just two rules for the students: “Rule No. 1, eat everything that you put on your plate, and Rule No. 2, always follow Rule No. 1.”
The connections made have resulted in long-term relationships with students whom they have fed and ministered to. “A baseball player from Mexico didn’t understand or speak English well when he arrived on campus,” Barbara said. “He told us later, ‘I didn’t know what you were saying, but the food was good.’ We’ve had a lot of kids we met who have come back with their children. That’s exactly what we were hoping for.”
Many on the Stephenville campus know Gene for his weekly deliveries of Barbara’s homemade goodies. She bakes 50 muffins a week and he carries them to various buildings. “There are a lot of people that have eaten these muffins,” Gene said. “I’ll see them, ask if they want a muffin or if they have needs of other kinds. God has been good to us and we’re glad to share it.”
Though they are thankful for their Gala honor, they are quick to say that’s not the reason behind their work. “We don’t need recognition,” Barbara said. “When we give without looking for something in return, we are satisfied with what we have.”
Gene added, “We are very thankful to Dr. Hurley for allowing us to do this ministry.”
Mitchell and Pamela Wills-Ward
Mitchell Ward knows about food insecurity. Putting food on the table was a challenge his family faced as he was growing up, and now he works to make sure others don’t have to go through the same struggle.
He and wife Pamela Wills-Ward combine decades of business leadership and a shared passion for service to create sustainable impacts in logistics, workforce development and philanthropy. They are the visionary leaders behind MW Logistics and the MW Cares Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides more than 1 million pounds of food annually to families in North Texas.
In 2025, they utilized their resources to overhaul the Purple Pantry at Tarleton State Fort Worth, expanding into a larger, self-service grocery store-style pantry with an automated access system and privacy glass. Students can scan their ID, enter and select from fresh, frozen and refrigerated items. Toiletries and school supplies are also available.
“We got involved with the Purple Pantry because no student should have to choose between pursuing their education and having enough to eat,” said Mitchell Ward. “Hunger steals focus, dignity and opportunity. If we can remove that barrier, then we’re not just helping students survive, we’re helping them succeed.”
Mitchell said his parents and grandmother instilled in him the importance of education, hard work, faith and perseverance — traits that shaped him and continue to guide him in business, leadership and life. After college he played professional football before entering the trucking and logistics industry and eventually founding his own company. Pamela worked in human resources and now is MW Logistics’ Chief People and Strategy Officer and MW Cares Foundation President.
The Wards observed how Tarleton State provides opportunities for students to succeed no matter what their circumstance, and they’ve been impressed at the way leadership is advancing and growing the institution while ensuring the best outcomes for its graduates. They agreed that receiving the Presidential Legacy Award is an honor that recognizes their hard work and the trust they’ve built in the community.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I’m committed to continuing to give back and make a difference,” Mitchell said. “We hope it encourages others to donate to areas of meaning to them,” Pamela added.
The Honorable Brian Birdwell
Texas Senator Brian Birdwell has made a lasting impact on the Tarleton State University community through his steadfast leadership, public service and continued support of the students and families who call this region home.
A native Texan, Birdwell earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Lamar University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He also completed the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. He served 20 years in the U.S. Army, with assignments in the United States and abroad, including service supporting Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.
On Sept. 11, 2001, Birdwell was serving as a military aide at the Pentagon when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the building. Surviving the attack, he sustained severe burns and injuries that required extensive medical treatment and a long recovery.
Following his recovery, Birdwell and his wife, Mel, founded Face the Fire Ministries, a nonprofit organization created to support burn survivors and families impacted by traumatic injuries. His continued advocacy reflects a lifelong commitment to serving others and helping individuals and families navigate hardship.
Elected to the Texas Senate in 2010, Birdwell has been re-elected multiple times. His service has helped advance priorities that directly affect Tarleton State students, faculty and staff, as well as the communities they represent across Texas. “Tarleton State University stands as a gateway to opportunity for rural Texas,” said Senator Birdwell. “Preparing men and women of character to serve their communities with integrity.”
Birdwell represents Texas Senate District 22, which includes Tarleton State’s main campus in Stephenville and many of the communities the university serves. Throughout his time in the Texas Senate, he has been a strong advocate for the priorities that matter most to Texans in this part of the state, access to opportunity, support for local institutions and a commitment to the future of rural areas. His work reflects a shared belief in the power of education.
“Any distinction I receive belongs to the communities that shaped me, and I am grateful to accept this Presidential Legacy Award on their behalf,” he said. Residing in Granbury with his family, Birdwell remains dedicated to serving Texas with integrity and purpose, a commitment reflected in decades of public service and lasting leadership across the state.
Tarleton Alumni Association Awards:
Distinguished Alumni — The Honorable Ben Barnes
Ben Barnes grew up on a peanut farm in Comanche County, Texas, where hard work, faith and community shaped his lifelong belief that education is the surest path to opportunity.
He first knew Tarleton State University as “John Tarleton College” while passing through neighboring Stephenville on family trips and later visiting campus, experiences that became formative memories. Reflecting on the university’s growth, he has said, “I spent many years dreaming of going to college. Seeing the growth Tarleton State has achieved over the years makes my chest swell with pride.”
After studying at Tarleton State in 1958, he went to The University of Texas at Austin to earn his business degree. Ben worked in state government and, at just 21, ran for the Texas House of Representatives. He quickly became known for discipline, coalition-building and a practical, results-first approach to governing. In 1965, at age 26, he was elected speaker of the Texas House, among the youngest to hold the gavel in state history. In 1969, he was sworn in as the 36th lieutenant governor of Texas, serving until 1973.
Throughout his legislative leadership, Ben championed investments that strengthened public and higher education across Texas. He has often credited his rural upbringing and early college experiences with reinforcing the value of education in every form, from universities to vocational and technical training, and with instilling a work ethic rooted in service.
“Tarleton State helped me understand not only the importance of education,” he said, “it showed me that higher education creates opportunity, that it gives young people the confidence to believe a better future is possible and the tools to pursue it.”
Following elected office, Ben built a distinguished career in business and public affairs. He has remained deeply involved in civic leadership, including service with the LBJ Foundation, and maintains longstanding support of public policy education through work connected to the LBJ Presidential Library.
Barnes remains grounded in the belief that education changes lives and strengthens communities.
“To be recognized by the place and people that shaped me means more than I can express,” he said. “It’s a reminder that education creates opportunity, and that helping others move forward is always worth the effort.”
Distinguished Alumni — J.C. Johnson
J.C. Johnson bleeds purple through and through. The son of former Tarleton State agriculture professor and student services vice president Dr. Johnny Johnson, he grew up on campus, hanging out with the “big kid” college students and attending games and other events.
“We went to everything at the university,” he recalled. “It was a big part of our whole life.”
When it was time to start college, Tarleton State was the obvious choice. Having a father in leadership at the university may have limited the amount of mischief J.C. could get into, but it also added a special element to his collegiate years. J.C. served as student body vice president, received the John Tarleton Spirit Award, and he and a few classmates founded the Zeta Beta Chapter of Kappa Delta Rho fraternity, which his dad helped sponsor. On graduation day in 1991, J.C. crossed the stage to accept his diploma from then-President Barry B. Thompson and received a surprise.
“Barry Thompson had the diploma in his hand, and he turned and gave it to my father to give to me. So that was a good day.”
J.C. earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural services and development and went on to attain a master’s in business from Texas A&M International University and a law degree from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law. He is now a managing equity partner at Dorsett, Johnson & Cisneros in Fort Worth, representing clients across industries including real estate, insurance, construction, trucking, hospitality, and oil and gas. He finds reward in being a legal advisor, helping people and businesses succeed.
That sense of pride carries over to his championing of Tarleton State, where his mom and son also completed degrees. J.C. has honored his father’s legacy by supporting the annual College of Agriculture and Natural Resources barbecue and establishing the Bleed Purple Athletic Alliance, which helps Texan student-athletes by facilitating NIL opportunities.
“Having both my parents in education, I know the enrichment in every aspect of going to college, through the different programs that we are exposed to, the lessons that we’re taught, by being involved in organizations or in sports — these are the foundation for the rest of our personal and professional life,” he said. “I just think it’s a great opportunity to be able to give back and create opportunities to enhance the college experience for these young people.”
Distinguished Alumni — Lionel Lane
As one of the student organizers of Tarleton State’s first rodeo team, Lionel Lane is a pioneer. He was the first in his family to attend college, coming to Stephenville in 1963 and earning a degree in general agriculture in 1967 as part of the institution’s first four-year class.
He helped build the first rodeo practice arena out of cedar posts and fencing wire. He and his cowboy cohort were the first in the rich history of Tarleton State rodeo to qualify for the College National Finals Rodeo, finishing fourth just two years after forming the team, and the first from Tarleton State to claim a national team title, earning the crown in 1967.
When that cohort, numbering “about a dozen” started at Tarleton State, there was a rodeo club but no officially sanctioned team.
“We were just a bunch of kids looking for a rodeo,” he said. “I don’t guess we realized what we’d done and what we’d started.”
Since then, he and the members of the first Tarleton State rodeo team have been inducted into the Tarleton State Rodeo Hall of Fame and the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame as well as immortalized on Stephenville’s Cowboy Capital Walk of Fame.
Lionel and his wife Marylyn, now residing in Dennis, Texas, have been devoted supporters of the university’s rodeo program for decades, building a legacy rooted in tradition, dedication and family pride.
Lionel’s son and daughter-in-law, Cody and Ranae Lane, as well as son-in-law Joe Moberley are Tarleton State alumni. Granddaughters Sydney Lane is currently pursuing a nursing degree and Cameron Lane is studying sports marketing and management and grandson Justin Moberley is a senior agriculture service and development major. In all, 12 members of the family have attended Tarleton State.
“Our roots run deep,” he said. “Real deep.”
The president of Lane Resources, a company specializing in animal health and nutrition sales, marketing and consulting, Lionel stays busy running a few cattle and offering financial, physical and emotional support for the university and the rodeo program.
“It’s as high an honor as you can get,” he said of being named a Tarleton State Distinguished Alumnus. “I hope it reflects on what me and my family have done here. What you do makes who you are. If you do the right things, the right things happen.”
Distinguished Young Alumni — Dr. Adewale A. Adenrele
Dr. Adewale A. Adenrele’s journey at Tarleton State University was impactful for a young man who arrived from Nigeria with ambition, discipline and a desire to serve. Supported by an ROTC scholarship, he earned a degree in biological sciences and commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. Beyond academics, Tarleton State provided the foundation that shaped his leadership, resilience and long-term vision.
Adenrele credits Tarleton State with developing the organizational discipline and leadership skills that have defined his career. As a student, he balanced rigorous academics with extensive service and leadership — serving in ROTC, student government, multicultural initiatives and fraternity life, founding the Black Student Union originally known as African Student Organization, volunteering with international programs and participating in athletics — all while maintaining his scholarship.
“Those experiences were defining,” Adenrele said. “They taught me how to organize events, lead teams and bring people from different backgrounds together around a shared purpose.”
After graduation, Adenrele served honorably in the U.S. Army, earning multiple awards while leading soldiers in complex operational environments. He later pursued advanced education, completing a master’s degree in information technology and earning a doctorate in cybersecurity and information assurance. Today, he serves as a senior cybersecurity engineer and public key infrastructure (PKI) subject matter expert supporting the Department of Defense, contributing to enterprise-level security initiatives that protect critical national defense systems.
Among his proudest professional achievements is implementing a mentorship program during his military service that encouraged soldiers to return to school and invest in their education. That commitment continues today through his professional work and support of nonprofit initiatives focused on mentorship, digital literacy and community empowerment.
As he prepares to release an upcoming book reflecting on leadership, identity and resilience, Adenrele continues to draw inspiration from his Tarleton State experience. Being recognized as a Distinguished Young Alumnus represents a powerful full-circle moment, he said.
“Tarleton State gave me a home away from home,” Adenrele said. “This honor reaffirms how far hard work, opportunity and community support can take you.”
Distinguished Friend — Allan Rodger
Allan Rodger is a man of vision and action. He has demonstrated that as a businessman and as an important benefactor of Tarleton State University.
The president of Zenith Roofing and Waterproofing in Fort Worth, Rodger opened his business in 1980, having started in the industry hauling bundles of shingles on construction sites.
“When I came to Texas, a coach had a small roofing company,” he said, “and he asked if I wanted a job carrying shingles. It paid 25 cents a bundle. That’s what got me into this business.”
A passionate advocate of the university’s wrestling club, he helped recruit athletes and coaches to Stephenville as well as find and fund a practice facility. The newly formed Tarleton State wrestling club is an active member of the National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA).
“I’m very honored,” he replied when asked his thoughts on being recognized as a Distinguished Friend by the university. “I hope I can continue to do things that make me a friend of Tarleton State.”
His love of what he calls “the greatest sport” began as an elementary schoolboy in New York, where wrestling was a part of most physical education programs. By the time he got to high school, he was good enough to earn a scholarship to the University of Florida in the mid 1970s and came to Texas to train in 1980. He’s been involved with wrestling in the Lone Star State since.
Rodger’s motivation to create a Division I wrestling program comes as the number of Texas high school competitors is booming with few local options for continuing the sport at the collegiate level.
“Texas right now has the second largest number of individual boys’ and girls’ wrestling in the nation,” he said. “In the next three or four years we’ll have more wrestlers than any other state, and there’s no DI program here for them to go to. This will change the whole landscape of wrestling in Texas.”
His vision doesn’t stop there.
“The goal is a national championship team,” he said, “and we can do it. We started last year, and more than 60 students came out for the club. A year later, we have a 10,000-square-foot training facility and 82 wrestlers. The world is waiting for what Tarleton State is going to do.”
Heartbeat Award — Bill Muncey
Bill Muncey has family roots that run deep at Tarleton State. The Baldwin, N.Y. native has been involved with the university since he first set foot on campus in fall 1974.
He is deeply committed to the university’s growth and development and has played an active role in advancing its progress. Bill has served multiple terms on the Tarleton State Alumni Association board dating back to the 1990s, most recently completing a term last year.
“It’s been a privilege to be on the board, and this award is quite an honor. I’m just blown away,” he said.
A longtime Stephenville resident, Bill was a proud Purple Poo member during his time at Tarleton State.
“At that time, we didn’t go around campus in Purple Poo attire like they do now,” he said. “We did at Homecoming, like at beating of the drum, and we always did at the games.”
Bill has been amazed by the growth across Tarleton State’s campuses and the continued development. He said the university’s ongoing investment in its students and alumni around the world has helped create an environment that draws graduates back to campus year-round.
His family ties to Erath County include his mother, a Dublin native. “We have relatives here, so I knew about Tarleton State and the territory,” he said. Many members of his family have attended the university. Stephenville always felt like home for Bill and is the reason he chose the growing town in Erath County to raise his family.
Outside of his time and dedication to Tarleton State, he enjoys restoring furniture and other items, including a mahogany phone booth in his home. He is also an avid collector of vintage signage and memorabilia, which he proudly displays.
He credited Tarleton State with providing opportunities that now allow him to give back to future generations of Texans. The Heartbeat Award recognizes his longstanding support of the university and belief in its vision.
“I can’t say it enough. It’s quite an honor and something I never dreamed of,” Bill said.
For more information about the Tarleton State Gala and the Tarleton State Promise Program, visit www.tarleton.edu/gala/.
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