STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University President James Hurley has been honored as one of the 400 most influential North Texans by Fort Worth Inc. magazine. He is cited among the movers and shakers in the education category of the Summer 2023 issue.
“It is an honor to receive this prestigious mention along with others who are doing so much in the name of education in Fort Worth and North Texas,” said Dr. Hurley. “I am humbled to join such an elite group of visionaries.”
Tarleton State has become one of the country’s fastest growing comprehensive public universities since Dr. Hurley’s arrival in 2019.
Under his leadership, the university created and implemented Tarleton Forward 2030: Our Future-Focused Strategic Plan, a blueprint for becoming the premier comprehensive public university in the nation. During this time, Tarleton has elevated its academics, research, enrollment, retention rates, graduation rates, diversity, fundraising, athletics, and regional engagement.
Dr. Hurley’s signature initiatives include the distinguished high school and community college partnership programs, the President’s Excellence in Research Scholars (PERS), and membership into the prestigious Association of Public Land-Grant Universities (APLU).
He launched the largest-ever comprehensive capital campaign in Tarleton history. The university shattered the $100 million goal in 2022, raising and eclipsing a new target of $125 million two years ahead of schedule.
The 400 has been a Fort Worth Inc. staple since 2018, recognizing Tarrant County residents who wield significant influence in education, arts and leisure, banking and finance, economic development, government, healthcare and life sciences, industry, nonprofits and foundations, philanthropy, professional services, real estate, religion, sports and transportation.
The honorees were guests at a June 18 reception at the Fort Worth Club.
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.