Dear Colleagues,
With the spring semester off to a memorable start, Tarleton State University’s strong momentum continued with today’s Texas A&M System Board of Regents meeting. Among the highlights, we received authorization to award an honorary doctorate of humane letters to the legendary Dr. O.H. “Bud” Frazier and approval to pursue three new health-related academic programs.
A Stephenville native and former Tarleton State student, Dr. Frazier is one of the top surgeons in the world who started his journey right here on our campus. Throughout a storied career spanning more than 40 years, he has performed over 1,200 heart transplants and implanted more than 900 left ventricular assist devices. He also served his country from 1968 to 1970 as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Army. During his time in the military, he received the Combat Flight Medal, the Vietnamese Navy Medal and the Vietnamese Distinguished Service Medal.
Dr. Frazier’s distinguished medical career and lifetime of service are commendable and make him deserving of an honorary doctorate from our university.
We will recognize him during spring commencement ceremony proceedings this year.
As we continue to address the healthcare needs of the region, we were also provided authorization by the regents to seek Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approval for three new academic programs:
— Master of Science in Rehabilitation Science
— Master of Science in School Mental Health Counseling
— Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
There are currently no public universities in Texas that offer a similar program to rehabilitation science at the master’s level, positioning Tarleton State to become the first.
In faculty news, the regents designated Dr. Robert Newby as Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Dr. Marilyn Robitaille as Associate Professor Emeritus of English and Languages. Following 47 years of service to the university, Dr. Newby retired in 2022. Dr. Robitaille served more than 40 years before retiring in 2023.
To advance their knowledge and research, six current faculty members were granted development leave for FY 2026. These outstanding scholars include Dr. T. Wayne Schwertner, Dr. Andy Wolfe, Megan Ehrhart, Knut Hybinette, Dr. Guillermo Velasco and Dr. Jesse Meik.
In recognition of our 2024 national champion men’s rodeo team, the Board of Regents also adopted a resolution honoring participants Gus Gaillard, Ira Dickinson, Roedy Farrell, Bailey Small, Landris White and Mason Spain, along with coaches Mark Eakin and Brittany Stewart. Individually, Gaillard took home top honors in saddle bronc riding. Tarleton State rodeo has now won 39 national championships in program history.
Additionally, we are excited to announce the appointment of Jerrick Bennett as a peace officer. Our University Police Department does a phenomenal job of keeping Tarleton State one of the safest college campuses in the nation.
It is an honor to work with each of you as we move forward on our path to becoming the premier comprehensive university in the nation.
As always, may you forever Bleed Purple!
Dr. James Hurley
President