History
In 1978, Tarleton State University expanded its reach to Fort Worth with a small medical laboratory science program launched by Dr. Lamar Johanson, attracting eight pioneering students. Initially housed in a modest location on West Myrtle Street, the program quickly outgrew its space. In the 1990s, it relocated to the Richard C. Schaffer Building on Elderly Place, offering expanded academic opportunities.
A pivotal moment arrived in 2006 when the campus moved to the Hickman Building on Camp Bowie Boulevard. Enrollment continued to increase, and by 2015, the student body had swelled to over 1,700, underscoring the increasing demand for higher education in the Fort Worth area.
Recognizing the need for a permanent campus, Walton Global Holdings Ltd. generously donated 80 acres of land off Chisholm Trail Parkway in 2014. A comprehensive master plan was later developed and approved by The Texas A&M System Board of Regents in 2017.
The culmination of this vision came in 2019 with the opening of the Campus Administration Building, signaling the official establishment of Tarleton State Fort Worth’s forever home.
A few years later in fall 2024, the Fort Worth campus celebrated the grand opening of the Interprofessional Education Building and welcomed its first cohort of first- and second-year students. With a current enrollment of nearly 2,600 students and over 60 academic programs offered, the university stands as a beacon of opportunity and innovation.
New Interprofessional Education Building
In October 2024, Tarleton State Fort Worth celebrated the grand opening of the stunning Interprofessional Education Building (IPE). This $66 million facility features over 100,000 square feet of classrooms, specialized lab space and a grand room providing seating for 250 guests to host community-wide events, workshops, lectures and programming.
State-of-the-art learning spaces will generate hands-on training opportunities and instruction for students. Tarleton State can now expand existing offerings in a variety of programs, including nursing, nutrition science, communication sciences and disorders, kinesiology, psychology, teacher education, and medical laboratory science.
Our Expansion In Fort Worth Continues
Quick Facts
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Our Location
Less than 20 minutes from Downtown Fort Worth, the Tarleton State Chisholm Trail campus has been part of Tarleton State’s master plan to serve Fort Worth since 2014. Not only a great location for students to now take both first- and second-year courses, but also serves the community as a great venue for meetings, conferences, and events. The 80-acre campus down Chisholm Trail Pkwy is close enough to the heart of Fort Worth for an easy drive while providing a spacious location for larger groups. Learn more about booking an event at this great location by visiting our business and industry page for Fort Worth.