Dear Colleagues,
The Texas A&M System Board of Regents and Chancellor John Sharp have once again displayed their overwhelming support of Tarleton State University’s momentum toward becoming the premiere comprehensive university in the nation.
The regents approved our proposal to name the College of Business in honor of Dr. Sam Pack, whose life has been highlighted by a commitment to making the world a better place. A steadfast donor of the university, Dr. Pack has made a historic eight-figure contribution, representing the largest cash gift ever bestowed upon Tarleton State.
As the owner of Pack Automotive Group in Dallas-Fort Worth, Dr. Pack has an unmistakable history of philanthropy to more than 300 nonprofits, service organizations and community events.
At Tarleton State, the university’s food pantry, President’s Circle, the Dr. James and Kindall Hurley Scholarship Endowment, and the Tarleton State University Pack Automotive Group Intern Program are some of the areas where he has made a major impact.
It was my honor to present Sam with an honorary doctorate last May, and his legacy with the Dr. Sam Pack College of Business will ensure his name becomes synonymous with excellence within our institution.
With scholarly students, passionate faculty, dynamic staff, and supporters like Dr. Pack, our future has never looked brighter.
In line with our strategic focus to provide students with an exceptional experience at Tarleton State, the regents also approved a pair of important construction projects that will benefit Texans for years to come.
Construction on a new, $120 million residence hall featuring up to 1,000 beds will begin soon and provide a total of 12 on-campus residential options.
An expansion of the Dick Smith Library was also approved, and will provide 10,000 additional square feet of individual study areas, collaborative study rooms and multipurpose space. Construction is slated to begin later this spring.
In academic news, the regents gave us permission to seek Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approval for two important graduate degree programs:
- MS in Civil Engineering
- PhD in Educational Leadership
As we strive to ensure a safe place to learn, work and visit, the appointment of James Graham as peace officer has been confirmed.
In addition, I’m pleased to announce the regents granted tenure to Dr. Jessica Leatherwood, Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Science and Dr. Michael Mathis, Professor in the Department of Medical Lab Science, Public Health, and Nutrition Science and Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.
The Texas A&M System has also given Tarleton State approval to extend an offer to the sole finalist for the Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Steve Uryasz.
People make the place, and this place is as special as it gets. Since our family arrived in Stephenville nearly five years ago, there has been no question that it is truly all of you who make Tarleton State the most special university in Texas.
I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to serve each and every one of you. Thank you for your continued efforts to make the dreams of our students attainable.
As always, may you forever Bleed Purple!
Dr. James Hurley