Dear Colleagues,
Authorization to seek approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for six new academic degrees, additional funding for a parking garage and Research Administration Building, and tenure for three faculty members topped Tarleton action items at today’s Board of Regents meeting.
The degree programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education
- Master of Science in Data Science
- Master of Science in Construction Science and Management
- Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Master of Science in Speech-language Pathology
Each new degree strengthens our commitment to prepare students for 22nd-century careers and meet the professional workforce needs of North Central Texas and beyond.
Regents voted to increase funding $10 million (from $31 million to $41 million) to add a fourth level and 180 spaces to our first parking garage, at North Saint Felix and Washington streets. Set to open in fall 2024, the facility will increase parking for students and employees and make it easier for visitors to attend campus events.
Funding to construct a Research Administration Building, at Hwy. 281 and Lingleville Road, will almost double from the original $3.95 million the board allocated this spring. The $7 million facility will enhance industry partnerships, spur innovation and enhance discovery between Tarleton and Texas A&M AgriLife. Construction dollars will come from the Permanent University Fund.
With new world-class facilities, rigorous academic programs, scientific breakthroughs, record-breaking enrollment and NCAA Division I status, our sphere of influence is widening. In fact, we’ve outgrown our U.S. News & World Report status as a regional school. A more apt comparison now is with national public institutions like the University of Virginia, Georgia State and Tennessee Tech.
I had the opportunity today to emphasize Tarleton’s rising prominence as a comprehensive national public university. This important conversation with the regents would not have happened without your hard work and dedication, and it in no way reflects diminished loyalty to the rural communities of North Central Texas. As outlined in Goal V of Tarleton Forward 2030, our visibility on the national stage enhances our regional impact in meaningful ways.
Importantly, U.S. News & World Report ranks Tarleton 140th out of 439 universities identified as “Top Performers for Social Mobility.” This illustrates our unwavering commitment to student access, affordability and opportunity. With your continued tenacity and the far-reaching success of our students, our rankings as a national school are sure to escalate quickly.
In other business, the board adopted a resolution honoring Tarleton rodeo for its 36th and 37th national titles at the 2022 College National Finals Rodeo in Wyoming. The men’s team won its fourth national crown, and senior criminal justice major Walt Arnold captured an individual title of his own — CNFR Steer Wrestling Champion. I couldn’t be more proud.
And I am pleased to announce that the regents approved tenure for three faculty members:
- Dr. Josphine Chaumba, Associate Professor of Social Work and Communication Disorders and Department Head, College of Health Sciences
- Dr. Shannon Levandowski, Professor of Occupational Therapy and Program Director, College of Health Sciences
- Dr. Celia Scott, Associate Professor of Education Leadership and Technology, College of Education
I wish you all the best as we near the holiday season. Thank you for trusting me with the university you love and allowing me to work beside you.
As always, bleed purple!
Dr. James Hurley
President
Tarleton State University
Box T-0001
Stephenville, Texas 76402
Office: 254-968-9100
University Homepage: www.tarleton.edu