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125 Years of History at Tarleton State

1808
John Tarleton was Born
A man with a beard wearing a dark hat, suit, and bow tie.

There is no documentation of his birth, but it is believed John Tarleton was born in November 1808. Orphaned at an early age, John went to live with an aunt in Vermont, and his brother was sent to another relative in Virginia. Tarleton tried to join the army, but John,…
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1899
John Tarleton College is Established
A large group of people gathered outside a wooden building with several windows.

John Tarleton College opened its doors on September 4, 1899 with W. H. Bruce as president.

William Herschell Bruce is Tarleton’s President
Portrait of a man wearing glasses, with a neutral expression.

President William Herschell Bruce is inaugurated in 1899 and serves as President until 1900.

1900
Edgar Elliot Bramlette is Tarleton’s President
Portrait of a man with a large mustache wearing a suit and bow tie.

President Bramlett is inaugurated in 1900 and serves as President until 1906.

1902
The First Red Brick Building on Campus
A small brick building with a sloped roof and rectangular windows.

The original Science building was built. The first red brick building on campus

1906
John Tarleton College becomes a junior college academy program
Group of female and male students posing for a photo.

John Tarleton College becomes a junior college academy program.

Frank M. Martin is Tarleton’s President
Blurry portrait of a man with short hair.

President Frank M. Martin is inaugurated in 1906 and serves as President until 1908.

1908
J.D. Sandefer is Tarleton’s President
Portrait of a man with light hair in a suit, facing forward.

President J.D. Sandefer is inaugurated in 1908 and served as President until 1909.

1909
Elzy Dee Jennings is Tarleton’s President
Portrait of an older man with glasses in a suit and tie.

President Elzy Dee Jennings is inaugurated in 1909 and served as President until 1911.

1910
The First Women’s Dorm
Mary Corn-Wilkerson Dormitory, a two-story brick building with tall columns and bare trees in front.

The first women’s dorm, Wilkerson Hall, was erected.

1911
George J. Nunn is Tarleton’s President
Portrait of an older man with a beard in a suit against a dark background.

President George J. Nunn is inaugurated in 1911 and served as President until 1912.

1912
Roswell W. Rogers is Tarleton’s President
Portrait of a man in a suit, colorized photo.

President Roswell W. Rogers is inaugurated in 1912 and served as President until 1913.

1913
James Duncan Hughlett is Tarleton’s President
Portrait of a man in a suit and tie.

President James Duncan Hughlett is inaugurated in 1913 and served as President until 1913.

James Franklin Cox is Tarleton’s President
Portrait of a man in a suit and tie, with a neutral expression.

President James Franklin Cox is inaugurated in 1913 and served as President until 1919.

1916
1917
John Tarleton College becomes part of the Texas A&M University System
Logo for Members of the Texas A&M University System on a maroon background.

John Tarleton College becomes part of The Texas A&M University System. Name is change to John Tarleton Agricultural College.

The first Purple Book was published
Cover of the 'Purple Book' from John Tarleton Agricultural College, a branch of the A&M College of Texas.

The original student handbook, otherwise known as the “Purple Book,” was released. This book contained the rules and regulations that students were expected to follow.

1919
James Thomas Davis is Tarleton’s President
Portrait of a man in a suit and tie.

President James Thomas Davis is inaugurated in 1919 and served as President until 1947.

The J-TAC newspaper is first published
Four people working at desks, reviewing papers and illustrations, in a classroom or office setting.

Formerly known as the “Tarletonite”, the official campus newspaper currently known title “The JTAC.”

1921
1922
The “cannon” is brought to Tarleton
Historic cannon with wooden whels displayed outdoors, with a building and trees in the background.

The cannon is brought to Tarleton from Fort Sam Houston to be used in ROTC training.

1923
1924
“Plowboys” mascot is adopted
Group of men at a long banquet table with a "Fight! Fight! Plowboys! Fight!" banner.

“Plowboys” mascot is adopted. Coach W.J. Wisdom held a contest for a new mascot, but ended up coming up with the name himself.

1927
Tarleton football went undefeated
Football team posing in uniform on benches, with a wooden structure in the background.

Tarleton’s football team went undefeated with the coaching of Coach Wisdom.

1928
1929
1931
1934
1936
National record 86 game winning streak
Tarleton State College basketball team standing in a row.

Once a national record 86 game winning streak achieved by Coach W.J. Wisdom’s men’s basketball teams between 1934 and 1938.

1938
1939
1945
L.V. Risinger throws a 2×4 at an NTAC airplane
Students in military uniforms holding rifles standing in front of an airplace.

L.V. Risinger throws a 2×4 at an NTAC student airplane that attempts to bomb the Homecoming bonfire. The plane crash-lands, but the students are okay.

1947
E.J. Howell is Tarleton’s President
Man in a suit sitting at a desk, holding a paper.

President E.J. Howell is inaugurated in 1947 and served as President until 1967.

1949
John Tarleton Agricultural College becomes known as Tarleton State College
The main Tarleton State College gates, with rock columns containing 'Tarleton' text.

John Tarleton Agricultural College becomes known as Tarleton State College to reflect the liberal arts offerings.

The Wainwright Rifles made their first appearance at Tarleton
Students in military attire holding rifles performing a rifle routine in front of a large crowd.

The Wainwright Rifles made their first appearance at Tarleton.

1951
1953
1957
1959
1961
“Texans” and “TexAnns” mascots are adopted
Texan Rider logo featuring a cowboy on a horse with an outline of the state of Texas behind it.

“Texans” and “TexAnns” mascots were adopted, and the horse and rider became the new athletic mascot of the university.

1963
The Wainwright Rifles performed at the Inauguration Parade
Group of people in military uniform standing in formation in an open field.

The Wainwright Rifles performed at the Inauguration Parade for President John F. Kennedy.

The original Hunewell Bandstand is taken down
Band playing at the Hunewell Handstand before the pavilion was constructed.

The original Hunewell Bandstand is taken down to make room for the Tarleton Center.

1966
Class of 1963 first to Graduate with Bachelor’s Degree
A flyer celebrating the first graduating class in 56 years featuring photos of the commencement ceremony.

The 29 members of the class of 1963 were the first class to graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

1967
William Oren Trogdon is Tarleton’s President
Portrait of a man in glasses and a suit with a red tie.

President William Oren Trogdon is inaugurated in 1967 and serves as President until 1983.

1970
1973
1974
1978
1980
1983
Barry Baird Thompson is Tarleton’s President
Man in a tan suit and tie with glasses, smiling at the camera.

President Barry B. Thompson is inaugurated in 1983 and serves as President until 1992.

1984
First sorority and national Greek organization chartered
Group of 16 women standing and sitting together in a casual setting.

Alpha Gamma Delta becomes the first sorority and national Greek organization chartered at Tarleton State University.

First national fraternity colonized
A large group of men in suits, posing together in rows.

The first national fraternity, Kappa Alpha, colonized at Tarleton State University.

1986
Oldest fraternity colonized
A large group of men in suits, posing together in rows.

The oldest fraternity still on campus, Lambda Chi Alpha, is colonized

1988
The first class of RN’s received their A.A. degrees
First class of registered nurses recieving AA degrees.

The first class of RN’s received their A.A. degrees and almost all passed the state board exams for nursing.

1990
1991
1992
Dennis Patrick McCabe is Tarleton’s President
Man in a suit with a purple tie smiling for the camera in a professional setting.

President Dennis Patrick McCabe is inaugurated in 1992 and serves as President until 2009.

1996
Langdon Center Donated to Tarleton
Historic house with a porch and sign, surrounded by trees and lush grass.

The Chrysalis Foundation donated the center to Tarleton State University in June 1996, when it was renamed the Dora Lee Langdon Cultural Center.

2001
Planetarium is established
An inside view of Tarleton State's Planetarium, with a dome-like screen showing a galaxy filled with stars.

Tarleton Science Planetarium features a Digistar II digital starfield projector, 18 photographic slide projectors, two video projectors and surround sound under a 40′ (12.192m) dome. Our 56-set theatre is truly a fitting environment in which to explore the wonders of the universe.

2002
The Military Memorial is built
Monument with an emblem and inscriptions surrounded by trees and greenery in a park-like setting.

The Military Memorial in Heritage Oak Park is built and dedicated by the Tarleton Alumni Association.

Gordon Center opens
Street view of the W.K. Gordon Center, with a U.S. flag and Texas flag on poles in front of it.

Tarleton State University Foundation, Inc. built the Center, with support from Mrs. W.K. Gordon, Jr., Erath County, and the Texas Department of Transportation. It opened to the public in November 2002 and attracts thousands of visitors each year to exhibits and special programs.

2005
2007
2008
Hickman building opens
A modern glass building with 'Tarleton State Univerity' on the front.

Tarleton State University extended the reach of state-supported, affordable education by expanding undergraduate and graduate programs to Fort Worth.

2009
F. Dominic Dottavio is Tarleton’s President
Smiling man in a suit with a Tarleton State University logo pin.

President Dominic Dottavio is inaugurated in 2009 and serves as President until 2019.

2011
2012
2013
Rodeo Hall of Fame was established
Group of people posing with medals in front of a Tarlet State University logo backdrop.

The Rodeo Hall of Fame honors past students for their great accomplishments.

2014
Tarleton Partners with Balfour Beatty to build new residence halls
A rendering of new campus structures being planned for development on the main campus.

Tarleton becomes first university in A&M system to partner with private company to build new residence halls.

Science Building renamed to Lamar Johanson Science Building
Lamar Johanson Science Building with trees in front.

Tarleton unveiled a new name for its Science Building to honor longtime professor and philanthropist Dr. Lamar Johanson.

2015
Davene Carter named Dark Horse Dunker
Tarleton State basketball player number 10 performing a slam dunk during a basketball game.

In the final round alone, the total votes between Carter and West Texas A&M’s Antjuan Ball tallied over 34,000 with the difference between first and second place coming in at .001 percent. Due to the abundance of support for both athletes, the contest committee has decided to accept both competitors…
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Tarleton Basketball makes NCAA Division II Final Four
Basketball team celebrating with a trophy after winning, wearing 'Texans' jerseys.

The Texans completed their 2014-2015 season with a school record 31 wins and advanced to this year’s NCAA Final Four after winning the Lone Star Conference championship and NCAA South Central Region Tournament championship.

Golf sets LSC record
Group of golfers posing in front of a banner for the 2015 NCAA Golf Championships.

Tarleton Women’s Golf Team sets LSC record with 8 tournament championships.

2016
John Tarleton’s Statue is unveiled
People applauding a statue unveiling with fireworks in the background.

John Tarleton and his legendary companion, Oscar P., came home Monday night, July 27th, 2015, to the university that bears his name, looking younger than ever and larger than life. Fireworks danced across the sky of Tarleton State University’s Stephenville campus as faculty, staff, students and key community leaders and…
Read More

2017
2018
2019
Texans Invited to join Western Athletic Conference and begin transition to NCAA Division I
Tarleton State football player running with the ball during a game.

The Texans started WAC regular-season competition during the 2020-21 school year and became eligible for NCAA Division I postseason play beginning with the 2024-25 season.

2020
2021
2022
2023
Lonn Reisman announces retirement after serving as the longest-tenured AD in school history
Man in suit standing in front of Tarleton Memorial Stadium.

During his tenure, Tarleton State made 41 NCAA playoff appearances and won 14 NCAA tournament regional championships, 20 conference tournament championships, 14 regular season conference championships and 19 division championships.

2024
First female to female change of command for Corps of Cadets
Two people in military uniforms smiling outdoors.

Cadet Zemoni Hopkins, Tarleton State’s third-ever female cadet corps commander, succeeded Cadet Kaleigh Peacock.

Tarleton State awards first-ever Ph.D.
Graduate in academic regalia stands on a field during a commencement ceremony.

Mark Brown crossed the stage at summer commencement to receive his doctorate in criminal justice, marking the first Ph.D. ever conferred by the university.

New Research and Economic Development Building opens
Modern building with glass facade and surrounding green lawn.

State-of-the-art facility shared with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

Texan baseball wins WAC Tournament
Tarleton State University baseball team celebrates as WAC Champions.

Tarleton State baseball becomes the first reclassifying program to win a conference tournament at the NCAA Division I level.

Athletics finishes reclassification to Division I
Football on field with Tarleton State University logo.

After successfully completing the four-year reclassification period, Tarleton State University is officially welcome as a full-fledged NCAA Division I institution.

1899-1924

125 Years of History at Tarleton State

1899
John Tarleton College is Established
A large group of people gathered outside a wooden building with several windows.

John Tarleton College opened its doors on September 4, 1899 with W. H. Bruce as president.

William Herschell Bruce is Tarleton’s President
Portrait of a man wearing glasses, with a neutral expression.

President William Herschell Bruce is inaugurated in 1899 and serves as President until 1900.

1900
Edgar Elliot Bramlette is Tarleton’s President
Portrait of a man with a large mustache wearing a suit and bow tie.

President Bramlett is inaugurated in 1900 and serves as President until 1906.

1902
The First Red Brick Building on Campus
A small brick building with a sloped roof and rectangular windows.

The original Science building was built. The first red brick building on campus

1906
John Tarleton College becomes a junior college academy program
Group of female and male students posing for a photo.

John Tarleton College becomes a junior college academy program.

Frank M. Martin is Tarleton’s President
Blurry portrait of a man with short hair.

President Frank M. Martin is inaugurated in 1906 and serves as President until 1908.

1908
J.D. Sandefer is Tarleton’s President
Portrait of a man with light hair in a suit, facing forward.

President J.D. Sandefer is inaugurated in 1908 and served as President until 1909.

1909
Elzy Dee Jennings is Tarleton’s President
Portrait of an older man with glasses in a suit and tie.

President Elzy Dee Jennings is inaugurated in 1909 and served as President until 1911.

1910
The First Women’s Dorm
Mary Corn-Wilkerson Dormitory, a two-story brick building with tall columns and bare trees in front.

The first women’s dorm, Wilkerson Hall, was erected.

1911
George J. Nunn is Tarleton’s President
Portrait of an older man with a beard in a suit against a dark background.

President George J. Nunn is inaugurated in 1911 and served as President until 1912.

1912
Roswell W. Rogers is Tarleton’s President
Portrait of a man in a suit, colorized photo.

President Roswell W. Rogers is inaugurated in 1912 and served as President until 1913.

1913
James Duncan Hughlett is Tarleton’s President
Portrait of a man in a suit and tie.

President James Duncan Hughlett is inaugurated in 1913 and served as President until 1913.

James Franklin Cox is Tarleton’s President
Portrait of a man in a suit and tie, with a neutral expression.

President James Franklin Cox is inaugurated in 1913 and served as President until 1919.

1916
1917
John Tarleton College becomes part of the Texas A&M University System
Logo for Members of the Texas A&M University System on a maroon background.

John Tarleton College becomes part of The Texas A&M University System. Name is change to John Tarleton Agricultural College.

The first Purple Book was published
Cover of the 'Purple Book' from John Tarleton Agricultural College, a branch of the A&M College of Texas.

The original student handbook, otherwise known as the “Purple Book,” was released. This book contained the rules and regulations that students were expected to follow.

1919
James Thomas Davis is Tarleton’s President
Portrait of a man in a suit and tie.

President James Thomas Davis is inaugurated in 1919 and served as President until 1947.

The J-TAC newspaper is first published
Four people working at desks, reviewing papers and illustrations, in a classroom or office setting.

Formerly known as the “Tarletonite”, the official campus newspaper currently known title “The JTAC.”

1921
1922
The “cannon” is brought to Tarleton
Historic cannon with wooden whels displayed outdoors, with a building and trees in the background.

The cannon is brought to Tarleton from Fort Sam Houston to be used in ROTC training.

1923
1924
“Plowboys” mascot is adopted
Group of men at a long banquet table with a "Fight! Fight! Plowboys! Fight!" banner.

“Plowboys” mascot is adopted. Coach W.J. Wisdom held a contest for a new mascot, but ended up coming up with the name himself.

1925-1950

125 Years of History at Tarleton State

1927
Tarleton football went undefeated
Football team posing in uniform on benches, with a wooden structure in the background.

Tarleton’s football team went undefeated with the coaching of Coach Wisdom.

1928
1929
1931
1934
1936
National record 86 game winning streak
Tarleton State College basketball team standing in a row.

Once a national record 86 game winning streak achieved by Coach W.J. Wisdom’s men’s basketball teams between 1934 and 1938.

1938
1939
1945
L.V. Risinger throws a 2×4 at an NTAC airplane
Students in military uniforms holding rifles standing in front of an airplace.

L.V. Risinger throws a 2×4 at an NTAC student airplane that attempts to bomb the Homecoming bonfire. The plane crash-lands, but the students are okay.

1947
E.J. Howell is Tarleton’s President
Man in a suit sitting at a desk, holding a paper.

President E.J. Howell is inaugurated in 1947 and served as President until 1967.

1949
John Tarleton Agricultural College becomes known as Tarleton State College
The main Tarleton State College gates, with rock columns containing 'Tarleton' text.

John Tarleton Agricultural College becomes known as Tarleton State College to reflect the liberal arts offerings.

The Wainwright Rifles made their first appearance at Tarleton
Students in military attire holding rifles performing a rifle routine in front of a large crowd.

The Wainwright Rifles made their first appearance at Tarleton.

1951-1975

125 Years of History at Tarleton State

1951
1953
1957
1959
1961
“Texans” and “TexAnns” mascots are adopted
Texan Rider logo featuring a cowboy on a horse with an outline of the state of Texas behind it.

“Texans” and “TexAnns” mascots were adopted, and the horse and rider became the new athletic mascot of the university.

1963
The Wainwright Rifles performed at the Inauguration Parade
Group of people in military uniform standing in formation in an open field.

The Wainwright Rifles performed at the Inauguration Parade for President John F. Kennedy.

The original Hunewell Bandstand is taken down
Band playing at the Hunewell Handstand before the pavilion was constructed.

The original Hunewell Bandstand is taken down to make room for the Tarleton Center.

1966
Class of 1963 first to Graduate with Bachelor’s Degree
A flyer celebrating the first graduating class in 56 years featuring photos of the commencement ceremony.

The 29 members of the class of 1963 were the first class to graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

1967
William Oren Trogdon is Tarleton’s President
Portrait of a man in glasses and a suit with a red tie.

President William Oren Trogdon is inaugurated in 1967 and serves as President until 1983.

1970
1973
1974
1976-2000

125 Years of History at Tarleton State

1978
1980
1983
Barry Baird Thompson is Tarleton’s President
Man in a tan suit and tie with glasses, smiling at the camera.

President Barry B. Thompson is inaugurated in 1983 and serves as President until 1992.

1984
First sorority and national Greek organization chartered
Group of 16 women standing and sitting together in a casual setting.

Alpha Gamma Delta becomes the first sorority and national Greek organization chartered at Tarleton State University.

First national fraternity colonized
A large group of men in suits, posing together in rows.

The first national fraternity, Kappa Alpha, colonized at Tarleton State University.

1986
Oldest fraternity colonized
A large group of men in suits, posing together in rows.

The oldest fraternity still on campus, Lambda Chi Alpha, is colonized

1988
The first class of RN’s received their A.A. degrees
First class of registered nurses recieving AA degrees.

The first class of RN’s received their A.A. degrees and almost all passed the state board exams for nursing.

1990
1991
1992
Dennis Patrick McCabe is Tarleton’s President
Man in a suit with a purple tie smiling for the camera in a professional setting.

President Dennis Patrick McCabe is inaugurated in 1992 and serves as President until 2009.

1996
Langdon Center Donated to Tarleton
Historic house with a porch and sign, surrounded by trees and lush grass.

The Chrysalis Foundation donated the center to Tarleton State University in June 1996, when it was renamed the Dora Lee Langdon Cultural Center.

2001-2024

125 Years of History at Tarleton State

2001
Planetarium is established
An inside view of Tarleton State's Planetarium, with a dome-like screen showing a galaxy filled with stars.

Tarleton Science Planetarium features a Digistar II digital starfield projector, 18 photographic slide projectors, two video projectors and surround sound under a 40′ (12.192m) dome. Our 56-set theatre is truly a fitting environment in which to explore the wonders of the universe.

2002
The Military Memorial is built
Monument with an emblem and inscriptions surrounded by trees and greenery in a park-like setting.

The Military Memorial in Heritage Oak Park is built and dedicated by the Tarleton Alumni Association.

Gordon Center opens
Street view of the W.K. Gordon Center, with a U.S. flag and Texas flag on poles in front of it.

Tarleton State University Foundation, Inc. built the Center, with support from Mrs. W.K. Gordon, Jr., Erath County, and the Texas Department of Transportation. It opened to the public in November 2002 and attracts thousands of visitors each year to exhibits and special programs.

2005
2007
2008
Hickman building opens
A modern glass building with 'Tarleton State Univerity' on the front.

Tarleton State University extended the reach of state-supported, affordable education by expanding undergraduate and graduate programs to Fort Worth.

2009
F. Dominic Dottavio is Tarleton’s President
Smiling man in a suit with a Tarleton State University logo pin.

President Dominic Dottavio is inaugurated in 2009 and serves as President until 2019.

2011
2012
2013
Rodeo Hall of Fame was established
Group of people posing with medals in front of a Tarlet State University logo backdrop.

The Rodeo Hall of Fame honors past students for their great accomplishments.

2014
Tarleton Partners with Balfour Beatty to build new residence halls
A rendering of new campus structures being planned for development on the main campus.

Tarleton becomes first university in A&M system to partner with private company to build new residence halls.

Science Building renamed to Lamar Johanson Science Building
Lamar Johanson Science Building with trees in front.

Tarleton unveiled a new name for its Science Building to honor longtime professor and philanthropist Dr. Lamar Johanson.

2015
Davene Carter named Dark Horse Dunker
Tarleton State basketball player number 10 performing a slam dunk during a basketball game.

In the final round alone, the total votes between Carter and West Texas A&M’s Antjuan Ball tallied over 34,000 with the difference between first and second place coming in at .001 percent. Due to the abundance of support for both athletes, the contest committee has decided to accept both competitors…
Read More

Tarleton Basketball makes NCAA Division II Final Four
Basketball team celebrating with a trophy after winning, wearing 'Texans' jerseys.

The Texans completed their 2014-2015 season with a school record 31 wins and advanced to this year’s NCAA Final Four after winning the Lone Star Conference championship and NCAA South Central Region Tournament championship.

Golf sets LSC record
Group of golfers posing in front of a banner for the 2015 NCAA Golf Championships.

Tarleton Women’s Golf Team sets LSC record with 8 tournament championships.

2016
John Tarleton’s Statue is unveiled
People applauding a statue unveiling with fireworks in the background.

John Tarleton and his legendary companion, Oscar P., came home Monday night, July 27th, 2015, to the university that bears his name, looking younger than ever and larger than life. Fireworks danced across the sky of Tarleton State University’s Stephenville campus as faculty, staff, students and key community leaders and…
Read More

2017
2018
2019
Texans Invited to join Western Athletic Conference and begin transition to NCAA Division I
Tarleton State football player running with the ball during a game.

The Texans started WAC regular-season competition during the 2020-21 school year and became eligible for NCAA Division I postseason play beginning with the 2024-25 season.

2020
2021
2022
2023
Lonn Reisman announces retirement after serving as the longest-tenured AD in school history
Man in suit standing in front of Tarleton Memorial Stadium.

During his tenure, Tarleton State made 41 NCAA playoff appearances and won 14 NCAA tournament regional championships, 20 conference tournament championships, 14 regular season conference championships and 19 division championships.

2024
First female to female change of command for Corps of Cadets
Two people in military uniforms smiling outdoors.

Cadet Zemoni Hopkins, Tarleton State’s third-ever female cadet corps commander, succeeded Cadet Kaleigh Peacock.

Tarleton State awards first-ever Ph.D.
Graduate in academic regalia stands on a field during a commencement ceremony.

Mark Brown crossed the stage at summer commencement to receive his doctorate in criminal justice, marking the first Ph.D. ever conferred by the university.

New Research and Economic Development Building opens
Modern building with glass facade and surrounding green lawn.

State-of-the-art facility shared with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

Texan baseball wins WAC Tournament
Tarleton State University baseball team celebrates as WAC Champions.

Tarleton State baseball becomes the first reclassifying program to win a conference tournament at the NCAA Division I level.

Athletics finishes reclassification to Division I
Football on field with Tarleton State University logo.

After successfully completing the four-year reclassification period, Tarleton State University is officially welcome as a full-fledged NCAA Division I institution.