Dear Colleagues,
Today’s Texas A&M System Board of Regents meeting showcased that even brighter days are ahead. We have much to celebrate as a campus community as we approach what promises to be a joyful holiday season. Our incredible growth trajectory as a university is a testament to the unmatched support of the regents and Chancellor John Sharp. They have been behind us from the start in turning our Tarleton Forward 2030 vision into a reality.
As we work to develop a welcoming entry point at the southwest edge of campus near the new Event Center, we have received approval from the regents to finalize a strategic property purchase that will allow us to build an Alumni and Welcome Center. This new facility will welcome current, former and future Texans to campus for years to come.
Additionally, the establishment of the Center for Rural Resilience, a joint entity between the College of Health Sciences and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, was approved. The center will focus on areas including community well-being, mental and physical health, farming and ranching prosperity, and community economic and workforce development.
The regents also provided authorization to seek Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approval for two new academic programs, with each strengthening our commitment to prepare students for high-demand fields:
— Bachelor of Science in Health Science
— Doctor of Philosophy in Integrative Biosciences
These new academic offerings will help to meet the professional workforce needs of North Central Texas and beyond while expanding options for our students. Our bold approach with adding programs allows us to deliver an exceptional experience for all Texans during their time at our university.
For their exemplary performance, we are thrilled to share that Dr. Alex del Carmen and Dr. Joe Priest have been named Regents Professors, effective immediately.
I am also pleased to announce that the regents granted tenure to the following scholars:
College of Health Sciences
— Dr. J. Michael Leger, Professor and Dean, School of Nursing
— Dr. Israel Msengi, Associate Professor, Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health and Nutrition Science
— Dr. Lorna Strong, Associate Professor, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
College of Science and Mathematics
— Dr. Ernesto Gianoli, Professor, Biological Sciences
Dr. Sam Pack College of Business
— Dr. Juan Chavarria, Associate Professor, Marketing and Computer Information Systems
We are also excited to announce the appointments of John Garza and Andres Ulloa as peace officers. Our outstanding University Police Department does a tremendous job maintaining a safe place to learn, work and visit.
This has been a memorable fall at Tarleton State as we celebrate 125 Years of Excellence for our remarkable institution. Thank you for being a part of such an exciting time in our history.
Best wishes from our Texan family to yours this holiday season. We hope this time is filled with peace and happiness.
As always, may you forever Bleed Purple!
Dr. James Hurley
President