READ Posters
Since 2010, the Tarleton State University Libraries have celebrated National Library Week with the release of READ Posters. These posters feature notable individuals or groups from the Tarleton community posing with their favorite books. The honorees are chosen because they embody one or more of Tarleton’s Core Values. The posters are displayed in the Library Learning Commons.
The American Library Association began producing READ posters in 1980. Designed to encourage reading, these posters feature celebrities posing with books of their choosing. Tarleton Libraries are proud to continue this tradition with our own campus celebrities.
Read Poster Honorees
2025 Tarleton’s 125th Anniversary Honorees (Coming Soon)
2024 Honorees (Ft. Worth Student Workers & TRIO)
Fort Worth Student Workers
Core Value: Excellence and Integrity
The Tarleton Fort Worth’s instructional site is supported by student workers to facilitate Fort Worth’s operations and enhance the overall campus experience for students, faculty and staff. Student workers often fill critical roles that support the daily functioning at Tarleton Fort Worth, including administrative duties, technical support, library assistance, event coordination and much more. For the student workers themselves, their jobs provide real-world experience which will help serve their future careers and their future employers.
TRIO
Core Value: Excellence and Respect
The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are Federally funded outreach and service programs designed to identify and provide service for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Tarleton has three of the eight programs; One College program: Student Support Services and Two Pre-College programs: Talent Search and Upward Bound.
2023 Honorees (Staff Council & Greeks)
Tarleton Staff Council
Core Value: Excellence and Integrity
Staff Council represents the staff of Tarleton State University in all matters of general interest to staff employees including matters raised by Council Representatives, Council Committees, and by the President of the University, and through petition, by any staff employee. The Staff Council is the principal means of communication between the staff and the administration of the University.
Tarleton Greeks
Core Value: Excellence and Respect
Since 1984, Fraternities and Sororities have served as fundamental element so Tarleon State University Student Engagement and Success. Tarleton is home to 17 national and local Greek organizations, making the Greek community the largest membership-based community on campus. Greeks contribute largely to the campus while only numbering about 10% of the total student population at Tarleton (Stephenville campus). These small groups of students are a major factor in the daily and future operations of Tarleton State University.
2022 Honorees (Public Health Student Association & Risk Management)
Public Health Student Association
Core Value: Excellence and Respect
The members of Tarleton State University’s Public Health Student Association (PHSA) embody the core values of excellence and respect. They actively collaborate with the campus community to serve and educate others, helping to host programs such as the Walk Through Texas History Celebration Virtual Event and a Hygiene Drive during National Public Health Week to collect items for the Purple Pantry. In addition, they helped inform the community on the COVID-19 vaccines. These students actively serve others and are leaders in their community.
Risk Management
Core Values: Excellence & Integrity
Risk Management is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our Tarleton community. Risk Management embodies the core values of excellence and integrity in their work, which is essential when maintaining the safety of our students, faculty, staff and visitors. They manage the Code Purple alerts to help protect our community in the event of a crisis or emergency. They also provide information and programs on emergency preparedness, such as inclement weather events and fire safety. Risk Management supports environmental awareness and recycling initiatives. In addition, they facilitate insurance programs for property, travel, and special events
2021 Honorees (Student Nurses Association & SSC)
Student Nurses Association
Core Value: Leadership and Service
The Tarleton State University Student Nurses’ Association helps foster well-rounded medical practitioners who embody the core values of Leadership and Service. To help expand the knowledge of students in the ever-changing field, the Student Nurses’ Association provides members with educational and networking opportunities, bringing in speakers from various medical fields to share their skills and expertise. Student members are also service-oriented, hosting regular fundraisers and engaging in community service to help give back.
SSC Services for Education
Core Values: Excellence & Service
SSC Services for Education is an essential service that keeps Tarleton operating smoothly while also looking our best. SSC contracts with Tarleton to provide custodial services, grounds management, and facilities maintenance.
In the wake of COVID-19, SSC embodied the core values of Excellence and Service in their commitment to keeping Tarleton safe. SSC adapted quickly to the crisis, incorporating hospital-grade anti-microbial technologies into their disinfecting program. SSC’s work allowed students to return to Tarleton and focus on their education in a safe and clean environment.
2020 Honorees (Dr. James L. Hurley & Tarleton Athletics)
Dr. James L. Hurley, President of Tarleton State University
Core Value: Leadership, Integrity, Tradition, Civility, Excellence and Service
In August 2019, Dr. James L. Hurley was named the 16th president by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents and was inaugurated on February 28, 2020. Dr. Hurley holds a doctorate in educational leadership and finance from Morehead State University, a master’s degree in education from Indiana University, and a bachelor’s degree in business education and management from the University of Pikeville. He and his wife, Kindall, are the proud parents of sons Drew and Carter and daughters Blayklee and Brooklyn.
Tarleton Athletics
Core Values: Excellence & Integrity
Tarleton Athletics focuses on developing teamwork, sportsmanship, and competitiveness while also fostering Tarleton Core Values. Men’s sports include Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, and Indoor & Outdoor Track and Field. Women’s sports include Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Indoor & Outdoor Track and Field, Softball, Tennis, and Volleyball.
On November 12, 2019, Tarleton State University President Dr. James Hurley announced that the institution accepted an invitation to join the Western Athletic Conference and will transition to NCAA Division I in July, 2020.
2019 Honorees (International Student Org. & Laboratory for Wellness & Motor Behavior)
International Student Organization
Core Values: Excellence
The International Student Organization (ISO) was created to unite, support, and recognize the needs and concerns of international students, as well as Tarleton students interested in foreign cultures and study abroad. Membership is open to all students.
Members of the organization promote and foster the spirit of fellowship through their involvement and interactions with other students and through their engagement in campus events and activities.
ISO provides opportunities for members to learn about and share information about the customs and heritage of different countries, get involved in events that embrace various cultures around the globe, and appreciate international cuisine.
Laboratory for Wellness and Motor Behavior
Core Values: Integrity & Service
Since its inception in 1994, the Laboratory for Wellness and Motor Behavior (LWMB) has given numerous clients hope, healing, and encouragement under the guidance of Dr. Joe Priest, its founder and director.
LWMB personnel develop customized training programs for people dealing with complications from neurological disorders, strokes, and spinal cord injuries.
Team Kinesiology® students and LWMB faculty oversee training programs based on each client’s specific needs and goals. The programs include workout plans for low-intensity training in a team environment.
Clients can participate in LWMB programs as long as needed, free of charge.
2018 Honorees (Cheerleading & TREAT)
Texan Cheerleading
Core Values: Excellence and Traditions
Texan cheerleading squad embodies the tradition of promoting school spirit, encouraging student body engagement, and cheering athletic teams to victory. Texan Cheer performs at all of Tarleton’s home football, basketball, and volleyball games, as well as traveling to many away games. They also perform at Tarleton Rally, Midnight Madness, pep rallies, many homecoming activities, and special events. In recent years, the cheer squads have established themselves as strong contenders in National Cheerleading Association competitions. Cheer squad members earn two credit hours for physical education and can qualify for scholarships.
TREAT Riding
Core Values: Integrity & Service
The TaRleton Equine Assisted Therapeutic (TREAT) Riding program began in 1995 and is a Premier Accredited Center with PATH, Intl. The program incorporates horseback riding to facilitate physical, emotional, and recreational therapy.
Personnel work with community groups and individuals, provide riding time for veterans and their families, and research the effects of therapeutic riding. They also host events like the Special Kids Rodeo that boost the participants’ self-confidence, self-awareness, and discipline.
TREAT Riding helps train college students pursuing careers in equine assisted therapy and those involving special needs children.
2017 Honorees (University Police & Student Publications)
University Police
Core Values: Civility, Integrity & Service
Tarleton police officers are licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. Ensuring a safe and secure learning, living, and working university environment is the mission of Tarleton police officers. As certified peace officers, they respond to calls for service, provide crime prevention initiatives, enforce traffic rules, facilitate campus awareness, and make arrests. Officers offer educational programs about personal and online safety, self-defense, and responding to volatile situations. They provide on-campus motorist assistance, after dark escorts, and event security.
Department of Student Publications
Core Values: Excellence & Tradition
To give students experience in journalism, graphic design, photography, video production, management, and sales, Student Publications staff produce two campus publications that act as historical records of university and student activities. The Grassburr has served as the student yearbook since 1916. It features information about and photos of the school, students, faculty, and organizations. JTAC News provide updates about campus events, programs, schedules, and news. It began as a literary journal, The John Tarleton, in 1901 and changed to a weekly news sheet, the Tarletonite, in 1904. It was renamed The J-TAC in 1919 and JTAC News in 2013.
2016 Honorees (Gay-Straight Alliance & Horticulture Club)
Tarleton Gay-Straight Alliance
Core Values: Civility & Integrity
Since being founded in 2012 as a Registered Student Organization, the Tarleton Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) has dedicated its efforts to raising awareness of LGBTQ+ community topics and fostering a sense of community.
The GSA offers a campus support network, collaborates with the Office of Student Global and Community Connections, distributes information, and sponsors special events. Events include Allies program presentations, Anti-bullying resources, NOH8 Awareness Week, Second Chance Prom, Tarleton Pride and Transgender Day of Remembrance. GSA membership is open to all students.
Horticulture Club
Core Values: Leadership & Service
Making the world more beautiful through fellowship and service has been the Horticulture Club’s goal since being founded in the 1979-1980 school year.
The club sponsors and participates in service projects and events that foster appreciation for and awareness of the art and science of growing plants. They help with plant propagation, floral displays, and pollinator-friendly landscaping initiatives on campus on campus, participate in recruiting events and Horticulture Center tours, hold seasonal and specialty plant sales, help with the Tarleton Round-Up, and participate in the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association Expo Tarleton students of all majors are welcome to join.
2015 Honorees (Bass Club & TTMs)
Bass Club
Core Values: Excellence & Service
Started in 2007 by a group of bass fishing enthusiasts, Tarleton’s Bass Club pursues excellence as members compete in many regional and national tournaments. For example, the club sends three teams to compete in the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship each year.
Representing various majors, members are committed to service and giving back to the community. Each year, they sponsor a fishing excursion for the local Foster’s Home for Children. They also hosted a fish fry for Pups in the Park, an animal education event, and often assist with area fishing tournaments.
Tarleton Transition Mentors (TTMs)
Core Values: Civility & Leadership
With their service and leadership, Tarleton Transition Mentors (TTM) are instrumental in helping new students adjust to college life and embrace their new community.
TTM members assist the Transition and Family Relations staff with three programs. First, during Texan Orientations, members guide new students as they learn about university resources, meet academic advisors, and register for fall classes. Second, they introduce students to Tarleton traditions and help them form peer connections during Duck Camps. Third, their leadership roles continue through Texan Transition Week activities.
2014 Honorees (Aeronautical Team & FFA)
Tarleton Aeronautical Team
Core Values: Excellence & Service
Initiated in 2011 by a nucleus of motivated engineering/physics students and enthused math faculty, the Tarleton Aeronautical Team pursues and attains lofty goals.
The team placed 6th out of 41 teams in NASA’s 2011-2012 CanSat competition, with only one U.S. team ranking higher. In 2013, the team placed 3rd out of 36 teams in NASA’s University Student Launch Initiative (USLI). They were also named Rookie Team of the Year and won the Science Mission Directorate Payload and Best Team Spirit awards.
Members also dedicate their expertise and time to educational outreach for middle school science and mathematics students.
Collegiate FFA
Core Values: Leadership & Service
Tarleton’s Collegiate FFA emphasizes leadership, professional development, and service to the university, as well as community service and service to youth involved in agriculture.
Members are active in campus events, state meetings, promotional programs, chapter education, and the Texas and National Collegiate FFA Conventions, which provide leadership opportunities, career/leadership development events (CDE/LDE), workshops, and career fairs.
Also, members are instrumental in the success of the Tarleton-hosted area and state contests that bring almost 20,000 FFA visitors to campus each year.
2013 Honorees (The Sound & The Fury & Tarleton Rodeo)
The Sound & The Fury
Core Value: Excellence
Organized in 1919, Tarleton’s original marching band had only nine members. Through the years, the band has grown in talent and size due to the members’ dedication and strong leadership.
The Sound & The Fury marching band is one of the finest marching ensembles in the state, as well as one of the largest and most spirited campus groups. Open to all students, the band includes wind and percussion musicians and a color guard unit. When performing at university events, band members’ spirit, pride and talents are always highlights.
Tarleton Rodeo
Core Value: Excellence
In 1947, a group of students formed the campus Rodeo Association with the hopes of encouraging participation in rodeo activities. They were successful.
By 1964, rodeo memberships exceeded those of any other campus group. That same year, Tarleton joined the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) and members began competing in officially sanctioned rodeo events.
Tarleton has one of the largest rodeo associations in the nation. Members are skilled competitors: As of 2013, teams had won 6 national championships and individuals had won 19 national championships.
2012 Honorees (Texan Rider & Plowboys)
The Texan Rider
Core Value: Tradition
In 1961, a Student Council referendum showed that students wanted to change the athletics’ team name from Plowboys to Tarleton Texans. The women’s athletic teams later adopted the name TexAnns.
Changing the team name prompted the adoption of the Texan Rider, represented by a horse and rider icon, as Tarleton’s mascot.
The Texan Rider is elected by the student body and embodies the spirit and pride of Tarleton, attends athletic events to boost support, and represents the University at official campus events.
Tarleton Plowboys
Core Value: Tradition
In 1925, Tarleton’s athletic teams were officially named Plowboys; they kept that name during the time Tarleton was a junior college. After Tarleton became a 4-year college, the students voted in 1961 to change the teams’ name to Tarleton Texans.
Dr. Barry B. Thompson, 13th President of Tarleton, and several students revived the Plowboys name in 1983 when they established a new spirit organization and chose to call themselves Plowboys.
To show their support for Tarleton, the Plowboys attend most athletic events and official campus events. They also sponsor community service projects
2011 Honorees (ROTC & Tarleton Players)
Tarleton State University U.S. Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)
Core Values: Integrity & Service
Known as the Texan Battalion, the Tarleton Army ROTC program dates back to 1917 and ranks in the top 10% of the 272 universities offering ROTC.
The program commissions second lieutenants for the active U.S. Army, Reserves, and National Guard.
It instills dedication to excellence and the seven Army values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service honor, integrity and personal courage.
Tarleton Players
Core Value: Excellence
In 1928, the Tarleton Players made their debut in the Grassburr, which states they represent the best dramatic talent — a statement that holds true more than 80 years later.
The Players promote interest and experience in the theatrical arts, as well as encourage campus and community involvement.
Members also participate in campus productions and provide support to the Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council. Membership is open to all Tarleton students.
2010 Honorees (Purple Poo & Dr. Dominic Dottavio)
Purple Poo
Core Value: Tradition
The Purple Poo spirit organization evolved from the original spirit groups, Ten Tarleton Peppers (TTP) and Ten Tarleton Sisters (TTS). They actively promote school spirit by attending all university events and by posting signs on campus.
Members conceal their identities with costumes until they “unmask” themselves at the annual Leadership and ServiceAwards Ceremony or in their Grassburr pictures. Graduating members give the university president a purple pig as they receive their diplomas.
Dr. Dominic Dottavio, President of Tarleton State University
Core Value: Leadership
Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio is the 15th President of Tarleton State University. According to his official biography:
President Dottavio provide strategic direction and mission-focused leadership for a university with a reputation for quality teaching, research that benefits all citizens, and a caring campus community. Well-known by students for being engaged and accessible, Dr. Dottavio resides on campus in the historic Trogdon House; the first Tarleton president to do so since the home’s namesake, President W.O. Trogdon.
He encourages all campus community members to pursue the 4 Es: Excel in scholarship, teaching & learning, Expand our horizons, Encourage leadership, service& student success, and Extend our reach.
