STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University celebrated the naming of its College of Business in honor of esteemed supporter, honorary doctorate recipient and automotive industry legend Dr. Sam Pack on Thursday morning.
In North Texas, Dr. Pack owns Five Star Ford dealerships in Carrollton, North Richland Hills, Dallas and Lewisville, along with Five Star Chevrolet in Carrollton and Five Star Subaru in Grapevine. Additionally, he co-owns six luxury dealerships in Tulsa featuring Lexus, Audi, Volkswagen, Cadillac, Jaguar and Land Rover brands.
His historic gift of over $10 million is the largest in Tarleton State history.
“Tarleton has a very special place in our hearts,” said Dr. Pack. “As great as the university is, the best days are yet ahead, and our family wants to be a part of that. We want to make a difference in the lives of the young people, especially those that bleed purple.”
The impact will be felt immediately.
“What strikes me most about Sam is he puts others ahead of himself at every opportunity,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “The premise of his success has been based on relationships. He has that innate ability to make people feel valued, regardless of what their position is in a particular organization, association or entity. He values every single person and the importance of higher education.”
Dr. Pack been honored numerous times, highlighted by the national 1988 TIME Dealer of the Year tribute, the industry’s most prestigious award. In 2003, he received the Ford Motor Company Salute to Dealers Award, presented by Edsel Ford II, for his commitment to improving communities and the lives of individuals in them. He was also honored as a Texas Automobile Dealers Association Legend in 2006 and was named to Ford’s inaugural Top Volume Dealers Hall of Fame in 2016.
“Over 40 years of service in the automotive industry, he has provided an education of his own to those around him,” said John Sharp, Chancellor of The Texas A&M System. “His business acumen, giving nature and passion for others are special traits. Dr. Pack’s continued commitment to sharing his wealth of knowledge aligns with Tarleton State’s efforts to increase access and opportunity for all.”
More than 3,100 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled in the Dr. Sam Pack College of Business, with courses available at Tarleton State’s Stephenville, Fort Worth and Waco campuses, along with online.
Students in the college work with Union Pacific, Walt Disney, Boot Barn, Saint-Gobain, Barefoot Campus Outfitter, L3Harris Technologies, Goldman Sachs, H-E-B and Amazon, among others, for internships and senior capstone projects to gain hands-on skills and knowledge.
All programs within the college are fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Fewer than six percent of business schools in the world are accredited by the AACSB, which is the premier business school accrediting body.
“Dr. Pack’s impact will be felt for generations to come,” said Dr. Rajarshi Aroskar, Dean of the Dr. Sam Pack College of Business.
At Tarleton State, he has already made his mark, supporting the food pantry, the President’s Circle, and the Dr. James and Kindall Hurley Scholarship Endowment. Additionally, the Tarleton State University Pack Automotive Group Intern Program provides Texans with learning opportunities that promote future career success.
Last spring, he was presented with an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Tarleton State for his humanitarian and philanthropic contributions as well as a President’s Legacy Award for Excellence, Integrity, and Respect at the Gala.
Overall, he supports more than 300 nonprofits, service organizations and community events.
“Dr. Pack has experienced success in all facets of life,” said state Rep. Shelby Slawson (District 59). “We will work tirelessly to ensure that the college named in his honor is the best of the best.”
When discussing Dr. Pack’s life, state Senator Brian Birdwell (District 22) focused on how his story will impact future generations. “As a self-made man, he will inspire Tarleton State students for years to come. His lifelong commitment to faith, family and the greater good is a tremendous example for others to follow.”
In a journey filled with accomplishments and recognitions, Dr. Pack said that the university naming its College of Business in his honor is a distinction that stands above all. This is just the second time an academic college at Tarleton State has been named for an individual.
“I’ve been honored in a lot of different ways, but it’s the greatest honor that has ever been bestowed upon me,” he said. “I will always be indebted to those who were instrumental in making this happen.”
Learn more about the Dr. Sam Pack College of Business at https://www.tarleton.edu/cob/.
For additional information on Dr. Sam Pack, watch this piece on YouTube.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of nearly 17,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. True to Tarleton’s values of excellence, integrity and respect, academic programs emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.