“Your college experience is all about what you make it! Tarleton has the tools for you to be successful and the people there really do want the best for you. Say yes to opportunities, go to office hours, and make lots of friends. Tarleton is a place that takes you in and makes you feel like family. The professors, staff and students all want you to leave Tarleton and be equipped for whatever comes next for you.”
Tyler Schuster
Tarleton State Alumna, Class of 2020
Tarleton State University is known for having one of the best agriculture science programs in the state of Texas. Its hands-on program allows students the opportunity to learn all about the agriculture industry within the Stephenviille city limits.
For students like Tarleton State alumna, Tyler Schuster, these programs helped boost her career and prepare her for life outside of college.
Even at a young age, Tyler knew she wanted to work in the ag industry at some capacity. After touring campus with her family, Schuster knew that attending Tarleton State was a no-brainer!
“In the 3rd grade I attended a roping clinic in Stephenville put on by Lari Dee Guy. Since then, I knew I wanted to go to Tarleton. My parents were both aggies and super supportive. When it came time to do my campus tour, I just felt at home. The tour was so fun and I got to meet with Dr. Tarpley after the tour to discuss my major and plans while at Tarleton. Dr. Tarpley made me feel like success was my only option at Tarleton. When he showcased majors, clubs and organizations I could be in, I knew this was the place for me,” Schuster shared.
Tyler knew that the best way to make the most of her time at Tarleton State was by getting involved. During her time on-campus, Shuster was involved in the Student Government Association (SGA), she served as a Tarleton Transition Mentor (TTM), Agriculture Communicators of Tomorrow, Collegiate FFA, the Agribusiness Club, Collegiate Cattlemens, John Tarleton Ag Ambassadors, and Collegiate Farm Bureau.
For Scuster, the most impactful organization she was a part of was SGA where she served as the student body president. Being involved in student government allowed Tyler the opportunity to work alongside Tarleton State President, Dr. James Hurley.
In the 2019-2020 school year, Schuster was able to join the selection committee that helped lead the initiative for the university to go D1. In addition, she was able to assist in helping students navigate through life during COVID-19.
“Getting the opportunity to serve the student body as Student Body President was a true honor for me. It was a year of so much growth for the university and being able to be part of it had a big impact on me and the university. I got to work alongside Dr. Hurley and Lonn Reisman in the movement to get Tarleton to be a D1 institution. I got to work alongside elected officials and donors at all kinds of events. But most importantly, I got to serve students. I worked for and with over 13,000 students to ensure their time at Tarleton was a success. I got to be the one student voice that was heard at many tables and committee meetings. I oversaw about 150 students on a variety of committees and we all had a common goal, help students succeed. When I decided to run for student body president, I had no idea the impact it would have on my life. It led me to meeting some of my nearest and dearest friends,” Schuster shared.
After being heavily involved on-campus for three years, Tyler earned her Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Services and Development in 2020.
Since graduating, Tyler has continued to make big moves in the agriculture industry. She was recently inducted into the Wrangler Cowgirl Magazine 30 Under 30, Class of 2024. The award showcases the hardwork and dedication of women in the agriculture industry.
“As someone who grew up on the ranch and now dedicated my career to provide opportunities to people in the industry, this award was such an honor,” Schuster shared.
In addition to earning recognition for her endless efforts to the ag industry, Tyler recently accepted a new full-time position as the Assistant Director of Development at Texas Tech University for the Davis College.
“In every job I have had, my favorite part is the people! I love getting to interact with all kinds of people from all over the state. If you did not work alongside and with great people, work would not be fun at all. In my new role, development can seem hard. We are working to fundraise and maintain relationships. This challenge means that we get to work with people who love TTU. They then share stories from their time at TTU or why they are big supporters and it is just fun,” Schuster said.
When she’s not working, Tyler can be found recording episodes of her podcast Basically Famous (@basicallyfamouspodcast).
“Tarleton prepared me for my career in many aspects. I would say the biggest thing at Tarleton that has helped me in my career is the ability to interact with all kinds of people. From fellow students, professors, donors and friends of the university, I got to meet and interact with thousands of people. I think the university did a great job of providing me with hands-on experience in the classroom. My favorite class during my time at Tarleton planned the Pursuit of Purple. This was a cattle show hosted and ran by students. I got to serve as the general manager for our show and did everything from getting sponsors to selecting prizes. This has been so beneficial to my crisis management and people skills,” Schuster said.
Although Tarleton made a clear impact on Tyler’s life, it was Tyler who truly made a difference at Tarleton State.
“Enjoy it! College flew by and so does life. I feel like so many times we get so stressed and worked up over things that we forget to enjoy it. From enjoying the simple every day things to the big win, soak it all up,” Schuster shared.
For more information about the various degrees and programs offered at Tarleton State, visit https://www.tarleton.edu/degrees/.