STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Inc. have agreed to strengthen their ongoing partnership by expanding student internships, collaborative research, community education activities, professional development and cooperative programming for faculty and staff.
A new faculty-in-residence from the Department of Wildlife and Natural Resources will be based at the facility in Glen Rose, offering on-site classes and programming in zoo animal care and management. A national search for the position is underway.
“This collaboration extends our educational mission beyond the walls of the traditional classroom,” said Tarleton President Dr. James Hurley. “Together we can forge immersive experiences for our students that ignite an appreciation for wildlife conservation and nurture a commitment to environmental sustainability.”
“We are excited about the opportunity this will bring the center and our visitors,” added Fossil Rim Executive Director Dan Simon. “Fossil Rim is truly a unique wildlife park. At 1,800 acres we can manage animals in herds, reinforcing their natural behavior while allowing visitors to see them up close. Increasing internships, research and programming will further our mission of conservation.”
The collaboration will have a lasting impact on students across various programs within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences, including agriculture communications, zoo animal care and management, and range management, increasing their skills to address the challenges of wildlife conservation in the 21st century.
With the expanded partnership and their shared commitment to wildlife preservation and education, Tarleton and Fossil Rim are poised to make a significant difference in the world of wildlife conservation, shaping the future of environmental stewardship and inspiring generations to come. For more information on Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, go to https://fossilrim.org; or for Tarleton State, go to https://tarleton.edu.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.