STEPHENVILLE, Texas — If they’re fortunate, some universities do it once. Tarleton State University claims a double victory. It’s more than chance. More than just beating the odds.
Three years ago, Tarleton President James Hurley publicly announced the institution’s largest-ever comprehensive capital campaign — Forward, Together: Investing in Today’s Students for Future Success. The university shattered that $100 million goal in 2022, two years ahead of schedule, and set a new target — $125 million — to commemorate its 125th anniversary in September 2024.
Now there’s reason to celebrate again. Tarleton has topped its goal — again. This time, 18 months early.
The announcement was made tonight at the annual gala, An Evening in Purple, recognizing distinguished alumni, friends and supporters who bring distinction to Tarleton and exhibit the university’s core values of excellence, integrity and respect.
“Our philanthropic visionaries know that when we rise, our students, communities and region absolutely do, too,” Dr. Hurley said. “Tonight’s historic announcement is the direct result of a shared vision to ensure that a Tarleton State University education is accessible and affordable for all.
“The incredible generosity of our friends and partners proves that the spirit of John Tarleton, who gave his life savings to create our institution, is alive and well. That’s not chance, it’s deep commitment.”
Since Dr. Hurley’s arrival in 2019, Tarleton has followed a bold blueprint to establish its place among America’s great public universities, earning the elevated designation of Doctoral Universities: High Research by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education — one of only 132 institutions across the country assessed R2 — receiving a fresh 10-year accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and joining the prestigious Association of Public and Land-grant Universities.
A move to NCAA Division I as a member of the Western Athletic Conference, having a second building on the Fort Worth campus (set to open in 2024), creating a stand-alone engineering college and adding degrees inspired by regional market growth all position Tarleton as a destination university.
In addition to financial assistance and innovative research, successful completion of Forward, Together will enhance Tarleton’s academic experience, strengthen its athletic prowess, fortify university infrastructure and propel economic development.
Net proceeds from An Evening in Purple benefit the Tarleton Promise created by President Hurley in 2021 to extend funding beyond state and federal financial aid for high-performing students with extreme hardship.
To learn more about Forward, Together, visit www.tarleton.edu/ForwardTogether.
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.