Dear Tarleton State Family,
We were saddened to learn of the recent passing of former Tarleton State First Lady Dr. Mary Lou McCabe, a remarkable woman who impacted countless lives.
Mary Lou’s husband, Dr. Dennis McCabe, was the 14th president of the university from 1991 to 2008.
Originally from New Mexico, Mary Lou went on to serve in various roles in education, including at Tarleton State, where she made a tremendous difference in multiple areas of campus. She and Dennis met while attending New Mexico Highlands University. The two came to Tarleton in 1988, with her holding a key role as Director of Minority Affairs. She represented our institution well in the community, region and state.
The Dennis and Mary Lou McCabe Presidential Endowed Scholarship was established in 2008 by friends of the couple and is in honor of their leadership and service as the president and first lady of Tarleton State.
Mary Lou will forever be remembered for her efforts to lead our institution on a path toward sustained excellence.
We offer our deepest condolences to Dennis and the rest of the McCabe family.
Dr. James Hurley
President