Setting the Stage
EECU Center Creates New Regional Entertainment Hub
Tarleton State UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
Fall/Winter 2025 | Volume 17 Number 2
President Dr. James Hurley
Editor
Sven Alskog
Associate Editors
Jenna Partin ’11, ’23
Elaine Hellmund
Toby Rhodes ’23
Phil Riddle ’03
Becca Johnson ’18
Photographers/Videographers
Maddux Adams | Gabriella Cortez ’22
Ginny Falls | Logan Hiemke ’21
Fayette Jiang
Joey McReynolds
Riley Pate | Eric Priddy
Toby Rhodes ’23 | Angela Granados Rumbo Caroline Wolf ’21, ’22
Designer Kelly Wise ’92
DIVISION OF UNIVERSITY STRATEGY
Box T-0730, Stephenville, TX 76402
Vice President for University Strategy/ Chief of Staff
Dr. Credence Baker ’03, ’05
Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communications
Nate Bural ’10, ’25
Tarleton State University Magazine is published by the Office of Marketing and Communications, Box T-0730, Stephenville, TX 76402 254-459-5662
Cover: Tarleton State University’s EECU Center hosted an inaugural concert by Texas singer-songwriter and alumnus Koe Wetzel in September. Photo by Justin Rose Media.
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DEAR TEXANS,
WHEN SPEAKING WITH STATE LEADERS, proud alumni and members of the communities we serve, it is abundantly clear that Tarleton State is making a notable difference for the better. By preparing students to meet critical workforce needs, our institution is building a brighter future for Texas and beyond. We are transforming lives and inspiring generations through life-changing education and real-world impact.
With 45 new academic programs since 2019, we are creating new opportunities for students at a historic rate. For six years in a row this commitment to innovation and student success has led to our recognition as the No. 1 university in Texas for graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Almanac. Our graduates are achieving incredible things in our great state, the region and the world.
Continuing our focus on affordability, the 125 Guarantee has been awarded to 935 recipients for a total of nearly $1 million and 296 professional certification exams have been reimbursed. These programs were each introduced at our State of the University last fall. Additionally, to improve access to graduate education, we are expanding the President’s Guaranteed Scholarship to master’s students beginning spring 2026. No matter your financial background, you can succeed at Tarleton State.
In this edition of the magazine, we’ll introduce you to faculty, staff, students and alumni who raise the bar each day for what Texans can accomplish. They are conducting innovative research, winning national championships and providing impactful philanthropy to make the dreams of the next generation of scholars possible.
Every day, Texans are leaving their mark by shaping their communities and creating a brighter future. At Tarleton State, we offer more than an education. We offer a purpose that changes lives today and for generations to come. That’s the power of being Texan Made.
Kindall and I extend our warmest wishes to you for a cheerful holiday season and a happy new year.
May you forever bleed purple!
Dr. James Hurley President
Paving Purple Way THE
More Housing on the Way
Regents Hall Construction Begins 2
Construction started earlier this year on a new five-story $120 million residence hall on North Lillian Street featuring approximately 1,000 beds for students.
The addition of multi-story residential housing facilities on the Stephenville campus is a key part of the master plan to provide more Texans a true residential college experience.
Upon project completion, 12 on-campus housing options will be available to students. Additionally, the university is updating
its campus master plan to include up to 3,000 additional beds in the coming years.
College of Leadership and Military Studies
Introduced as New Academic College
Tarleton State introduced its eighth academic college in September when the Leadership and Military College became the College of Leadership and Military Studies, building on the university’s military legacy of over 100 years.
In addition to the bachelor’s degree in leadership and strategic studies, the new college includes a Center for Leadership and Strategic Studies and a master’s degree program in leadership and strategic studies.
These academic and cocurricular experiences will provide cadets and students with opportunities to explore an exciting field of study and pave the way for rewarding careers in the Armed Forces and defense-related agencies or industries.
“The creation of the college is not only a recognition of the university’s rich military history, but it also projects what the future holds with achieving Senior Military College designation, an elite status that only six universities in the United States currently enjoy,” said Col. Doug Simon, Dean and Commandant of Cadets. “To achieve Senior Military College designation would position Tarleton State as an incredibly distinctive university offering a unique education while fostering enduring tangible life outcomes.”
Dr. Donalyn Alexander
Announced as School of Nursing Dean
Tarleton State University has named Dr. Donalyn Alexander Dean of the School of Nursing.
Dr. Alexander enters her new role at Tarleton State after leading the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing as Dean since 2019. The program was part of a consortium of McMurry University and Hardin-Simmons University until earlier this year.
During her leadership time at the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing, Dr. Alexander guided the nursing program through a historic period that was highlighted by a perfect 100% firsttime pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam in 2020. Dating back to 2019, the university has had 90% of first-time test takers pass the exam, well above the state requirement of 80%.
“We are thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Donalyn Alexander to lead our School of Nursing,” said Dr. Elizabeth Palmarozzi, Vice President for the Division of Health Sciences. “With over 30 years of experience in healthcare education and service, she is a fantastic choice to build on the strategic vision of our nursing program. Her professional partnerships and years of dedication will greatly benefit the student experience at Tarleton State.”
Artist’s rendering of Regents Hall.
Dr. Tom Faulkenberry
Named Dean of College of Graduate Studies
Tarleton State has named Dr. Tom Faulkenberry Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.
A key member of the Tarleton State family since arriving on campus in 2013, Dr. Faulkenberry has held multiple leadership roles. Most recently, he has served as Associate Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. In this position, he assisted the Dean in administering the operations and initiatives of the college, including overseeing graduate education programs such as student support services, compliance and program assessment. Previously, he was a Department Head (2021-24) and Assistant Department Head (2019-21) within the Department of Psychological Sciences.
He currently serves as chair of the Psychonomic Society Finance Committee and as treasurer for the Society for Mathematical Psychology. He is also an Associate Editor for the Journal of Numerical Cognition, Behavior Research Methods and the Journal of Psychological Inquiry. Additionally, he is the author of the books “Psychological Statistics: The Basics,” published in 2022 by Routledge, and “Bayesian Statistics: The Basics,” published in 2025.
“Graduate education plays a central role at Tarleton State,” said Dr. Faulkenberry. “Our graduate students advance knowledge through their research, which strengthens our institutional profile and impact. As Dean, I am honored to lead our efforts to build high-quality programs and recruit strong students who will define their fields and contribute to the economic and community development of Texas and beyond.”
Tarleton State Elevated Earns Highest SACSCOC Classification
Tarleton State has been elevated to a level VI classification by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The change is the highest level of classification an institution can receive.
The announcement comes after the introduction of Tarleton State’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, which welcomed its inaugural cohort this year.
“We are tremendously proud of this recent achievement and the launch of our newest doctoral programs,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “These milestones are a testament to the unwavering dedication and excellence of our faculty and staff. This new classification further solidifies our institution as a first-choice destination for students to access a high-quality, affordable doctoral education.”
Tarleton State received a 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation from SACSCOC in 2021 which came with zero recommendations for improvement and no negative findings.
Recognized Once Again
Tarleton State Named To Best Colleges in America List
For the fourth straight year, Tarleton State was named to Money magazine’s “Best Colleges in America” list.
Money’s annual Best Colleges list showcases the country’s top values and is based on graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, alumni salaries and more.
“At Tarleton State, we are transforming lives. We are proud to offer an affordable, first-class education to help students reach their potential,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “This recognition is a credit to the incredible faculty and staff who work diligently to deliver a remarkable student experience for our Texans.”
In the 2025 star ratings, Tarleton State was elevated to 3.5 stars, up from 3 stars a year ago, lifting Tarleton State to the same star rating as Texas Tech, Texas State and The University of Texas at El Paso.
Historic Fall Enrollment
Sets Tarleton State Record
Continuing a stretch of historic momentum, Tarleton State reached record enrollment for the sixth consecutive year this fall, with over 21,000 students attending.
Additionally, first-time-in-college enrollment exceeded 3,000 for the second consecutive year and 4,225 new Texans were welcomed for the fall semester.
“We are transforming more lives than ever while preparing our students to enter the workforce and make a meaningful impact,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “Our commitment to expanding access to an affordable, first-class education is making it possible for a record number of Texans to earn a college degree.”
As an academic, first-choice destination, Tarleton State’s enrollment of the top 10% of Texas high school graduates is up 21.9% from a year ago. Enrollment in Tarleton Today has also soared to record levels. For fall 2025, more than 5,500 students from around the Lone Star State participated, nearly doubling the participation from a year ago.
Health Professions Building
To Enhance Tarleton State’s Impact on Rural Healthcare
Centered around a commitment to answering the state’s demands for access to healthcare in rural and underserved areas, Tarleton State opened its new $80 million Health Professions Building in September. Nearly 20 percent of people in the United States live in rural areas. In many of these locations, access to physicians and specialists is limited, including in Stephenville, where the patient-physician ratio is 1,779 to 1.
At 92,000 square feet, the best-in-class facility will provide specialized laboratory space, a dedicated research lab and classrooms to provide students with abundant opportunities for hands-on experience.
“This state-of-the art Health Professions Building clearly showcases our commitment to transforming healthcare access for rural and underserved communities,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “The hands-on learning that will take place in this facility will prepare our graduates to improve community outcomes and spearhead innovative solutions.”
Notably, specialty teaching labs for new academic programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy and physician’s assistant studies will prepare students to enter the workforce with the skills needed to make a difference.
Athletics Joins Rebranded UAC
Starting in 2026
Over the summer, a new age in Tarleton State’s NCAA Division I era started, as the Texans were one of eight institutions to join the new version of the United Athletic Conference (UAC).
Tarleton State football has been in the UAC — previously a football-only conference that has included members of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) — for the past two years.
The new-look conference will see the WAC rebrand into an all-sports version of the UAC that will include three WAC members (Tarleton State, Abilene Christian, UT Arlington) and the five football-playing institutions from the ASUN (Austin Peay, Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky, North Alabama and West Georgia).
The creation of a consortium of two conferences is a groundbreaking alliance for innovation and improvement of operational efficiency. The alliance will strengthen both conferences and create new growth.
Research and Economic Development Building
Recognized by TEXO
Tarleton State’s Research and Economic Development Building was awarded the 2025 TEXO Distinguished Building Award.
The TEXO Distinguished Building Award is presented to outstanding commercial building projects in Texas that showcase exceptional construction quality and innovative practices.
The Research and Economic Development Building was officially opened in July 2024. The state-of-the-art 10,236-square-foot, $7 million facility features a unique pair of parallel pre-engineered metal buildings.
The abundant curtainwall systems create natural light, producing an inspiring environment for innovation.
Tarleton State shares the building with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, providing a collaborative space for the different entities to improve research, agriculture and economic development.
“The new Research and Economic Development Building is our continuing investment to driving our region’s economy through public impact research and is rapidly becoming a meeting place for numerous collaborative research projects,” said Tarleton State Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development Dr. Rupa Iyer.
The Tarleton State SAE Aerospace Design team with their winning aircraft.
Engineering Students Shine
Take Top Honors at International Competition
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) at Tarleton State earned first-place overall and top honors in mission performance at the international SAE Aerospace Design competition held in Fort Worth earlier this year.
SAE at Tarleton State was organized three years ago and works to provide students with engineering experience outside of the classroom, giving them the opportunity to design, manufacture and compete in global collegiate competitions.
“I saw this team working late, working smart and working together,” said Dr. Rafael Landaeta, Dean of the Mayfield College of Engineering. “These are the leaders of the future and the engineers that we need to keep us safe, healthy and soaring toward the next frontier. Their creativity, discipline and resilience remind us why hands-on, high-impact learning matters. Proud is an understatement — these students represent the very best of what engineering education can produce.”
A total of 34 teams competed in the aerospace competition that had various elements to it, including a design report and flight readiness presentation. The final aspect of the competition is a mission where teams earn points by maximizing the wingspan, accurately predicting the payload and carrying as much payload as possible during the flight.
This year’s aircraft, “OP3,” named after Oscar P, the beloved Tarleton State legend, was a 21-pound plane that carried 34 pounds of payload weight, landing the team a first place in mission performance.
Rodeo Dominates CNFR
Men Win Second Consecutive Title
For the first time in program history, Tarleton State men’s rodeo won back-to-back national championships at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) this summer.
“It’s super special because it’s extremely hard to do,” said head coach Mark Eakin, who has led Tarleton State’s men to three titles in four years. “Most of the team members were part of championship teams either last year or three years ago.”
Coleman Shallbetter, Montgomery Parsons and Bailey Small led the men's team, capturing top 10 finishes. A national title was also in the cards for goat tyer Tori Brower, who clocked a 6.0 second time in the final round to capture the individual event crown and lead the Tarleton State women to the CNFR reserve championship.
Tarleton State’s 2025 men’s and women’s CNFR participants and coaches.
A New
By Sven Alskog
Event Hub
EECU Center Grand Opening Celebrated
Tarleton State University celebrated the grand opening of its best-inclass EECU Center in front of a crowd of passionate supporters in August. With the capacity to welcome up to 8,000 for basketball games and more than 10,000 for concerts, the twostory multipurpose arena immediately transforms the entertainment options available in the region. Concerts, conventions, symposiums, conferences and basketball games are
some of the events possible to host inside the facility. Commencement ceremonies can also be moved indoors dependent on weather, providing a valuable contingency.
“Today is a truly special day for our institution and the community,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley at the grand opening celebration. “This
new state-of-the-art venue allows us to serve the needs of the university while also providing a premier NCAA Division I basketball arena for our Texans to compete in.
We are grateful to The Texas A&M System Board of Regents, Chancellor Glenn Hegar and
our partners at EECU for making this vision a reality.”
Inaugural events included a performance by comedian Leanne Morgan as part of her “Just Getting Started” tour and Texas singer-songwriter and Tarleton State alumnus Koe Wetzel returning to campus for a concert. The 2025 Convocation was also held inside the facility.
“The EECU Center is going to give our students a first-class place to compete, perform and come together, and it’s going to bring new events, visitors and opportunities that benefit
the whole community,” said Chancellor Hegar. “This is a big win for Tarleton State and for the region. This is what happens when strong institutions and strong partners work together — you create opportunities that will be felt for decades."
Featuring 148,000 square feet of space, the $130 million EECU Center has a portable maple-wood flooring system to allow
for smooth installation and removal as needed.
“This incredible facility showcases Tarleton State’s commitment to the economic prosperity and life satisfaction for those who call Stephenville, Erath County and the surrounding areas home,” said state Sen.
Brian Birdwell (District 22).
“Generations to come will experience many cherished memories inside the EECU Center.”
TARLETON
Top-of-the-line sound, lighting and video technology, plus a centerhung scoreboard, will ensure a first-class spectator experience.
A naming rights agreement between Tarleton State and EECU was approved by The Texas A&M System Board of Regents in May.
With nearly 300,000 members and over $4 billion in assets, EECU has served the region for more than 90 years. The locally-owned financial institution secured the naming rights to the new arena in May.
EECU began in 1934 in the Fort Worth Independent School District administration building as a credit union for teachers and administrators known as Fort Worth Teachers Credit Union. The name was changed to the Educational Employees Credit Union in 1976, eventually becoming more simply known as EECU.
“The official opening of the EECU Center marks an exciting new chapter in our partnership with Tarleton State University,” said EECU President and CEO Lonnie Nicholson. “This remarkable facility is more than a stateof-the-art venue — it stands as a testament to our shared vision of advancing education, strengthening community connections and shaping the future of North Texas.”
“We are thrilled to team with EECU as we begin an exciting new era on campus,” said Dr. Hurley. “Prominently featuring the name of a regional fixture like EECU on our new event center is a natural choice for a venue that will be a community gathering spot for years to come. We are grateful to all who made this partnership possible.”
Tarleton State’s new arena also includes custom locker rooms, an integrated nutrition center, a sports medicine suite and a dedicated entrance for coaches and student-athletes.
“The EECU Center is a game changer for Tarleton State athletics,” said Vice
President and Director of Athletics Steve Uryasz. “It will elevate all of our programs, help with recruiting and retaining elite student-athletes, and enhance the fan experience at our games. Texan Nation will watch high-level basketball in a high-level environment for a long time to come. The EECU Center ranks among the best venues I’ve been in across my entire career in collegiate athletics.”
The first basketball games in the EECU Center featured a men’s exhibition against TCU and a women’s exhibition with Kansas State.
PBK served as the architect for the new arena
and Vaughn Construction was the contractor.
“We aspired to create an iconic anchor for your campus,” said PBK Senior Principal Architect Michael Hessert. “A space that will serve students, faculty, staff and the entire Tarleton community for generations to come.”
With thousands of spectators already passing through the doors, one thing is clear — the entertainment scene in Stephenville has a brand-new look featuring major performing artists, NCAA Division I basketball and special events the whole family can enjoy.
As the saying goes: if you build it, they will come.
Above: New Texans sing the Color Song at Convocation. Below: Koe Wetzel performs in front of a large crowd at the first concert inside the new EECU Center. Photo by Justin Rose Media.
Timeless
Traditions
The Heartbeat of Tarleton State’s Past, Present and Future
By Becca Johnson
Tradition is the heartbeat of Tarleton State University, shaping the campus itself and fostering a deep sense of pride and belonging among students, faculty, staff and alumni. Tarleton State’s traditions — both new and old — create powerful connections that bridge generations and celebrate the university’s rich history.
Though every Tarleton State Texan’s journey is different, the thing that unites all is the deep sense of pride and spirit that comes from taking part in the traditions that have been passed down by the generations before.
In recent years, Tarleton State has experienced unparalleled growth. Despite the many changes that have impacted the campus, these traditions ground the experience of each Texan to the university's humble roots.
Whatever is in store for the bright future of the university, the hope will remain the same: that each generation will feel unified and proud to be a Tarleton State Texan.
Enjoy a walk through some favorite traditions that connect us to those who have come before while paving the way for those who will come after.
This mural was designed, crafted and assembled by Mara Smith and her associate Kris King, and installed in the Barry B. Thompson Student Center in 1994. The history and traditions of Tarleton State are hidden throughout the mural, and the art is dedicated to the past, present and future students of Tarleton State University.
TRADITIONS SEEK AND FIND
Can you find the 13 references to Tarleton State’s history and traditions hidden within the mural? See the key on page 18 for answers.
uncertainty, excitement, curiosity and even fear. These are some of the feelings that first-year students might experience as they arrive to sign in for Duck Camp, board a bus and head out to get to know hundreds of their newest friends.
Duck Camp has been building community, encouraging Texan spirit and helping students transition to campus life since 1995. This newer tradition gives incoming students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of Tarleton State through learning about the university and sharing experiences with their future graduating class.
QUICK FACT: DUCK CAMP SONGS
At Duck Camp, students will be introduced to 10 different cheers, chants and songs that exemplify Tarleton State spirit, with the two most notable being the Fight Song and Color Song.
Gates have long been used to mark the beginning or entrance to a property. They provide a way to welcome people in, as well as keep others out. At Tarleton State, the gates are always open, a testament to the welcoming nature of the university.
Built on campus in the 1920s, the historic rock gates are one of the first landmarks visitors notice when arriving. For those figuring out where they will continue their education, the warm and inviting environment that Tarleton State provides — from its very entrance — speaks for itself. For those who decide to stick around, these gates mark the start of an extraordinary journey.
QUICK FACT: WATCH YOUR STEP
On campus, there are four things Tarleton State Texans should never walk on: the grass, the University Seal outside of the Barry B. Thompson Student Center, the Texan Rider mural in front of the Tarleton Center and the Organizational Sidewalk on Jones Street.
Purple Thursdays
On Thursdays, a vibrant wave of purple spreads across campus. What was once an ordinary day has become a weekly celebration of Texan pride. Students, faculty, staff and alumni proudly wear the school colors, transforming this day into a tradition known as Purple Thursday.
The color purple has been deeply rooted in the university's history since the publication of the “Purple Book” in 1917. Purple Thursday was later adopted in 1997 when former university President Dr. Dennis McCabe and the Student Government Association declared that on Thursdays, Tarleton State Texans wear purple.
QUICK FACT: SMOKESTACK
The legendary Smokestack, originally built in 1923, is illuminated with purple lights for special occasions. Notably, the Lighting of the Smokestack is celebrated on the Sunday before Homecoming.
Convocation
There are few moments in a Tarleton State Texan’s journey quite like Convocation. This moment marks the beginning. As each student lights their candle and passes on that light, they are charged to live out the rest of their days with excellence, integrity and respect, just as generations of Texans before them.
We get a glimpse of the future in the illuminated faces of students who will carry their Tarleton State flame throughout the world. In that quiet moment, we see leaders in the making — ready to shape communities, inspire new ways of thinking and light the path forward.
The Color Song echoes through the building as hundreds of new Texans stand united. The moment they light their candle, the spark ignites within them, creating a flame of hope, purpose and belonging that will burn brightly throughout their life until it is gently laid to rest at Silver Taps. Once a Texan, always a Texan.
Pointe du Hoc
A memorable part of the journey for any Tarleton State student is attending football games and cheering on the Texans to victory. One of the newest game-day traditions was established in 2019, when a rallying speech was given at the Maj. Gen. James Earl Rudder Statue on campus before the football team took on West Texas A&M University.
This inspiring tradition stuck and is now known as Pointe du Hoc in honor of Rudder and his historic leadership in the assault up the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc in France, part of the Normandy D-Day invasion during World War II.
At every home game since, the football team marches to Memorial Stadium led by Tarleton State Cheer, Texan Stars and the drumline, where they are met on Rudder Way by the Texan Corps of Cadets and cheering fans. An honored guest or member of the Tarleton State family then gives the charge at the statue.
Purple Poo and Poo Signs
You will probably hear them coming before you see them. Purple Poo members have been a cherished part of the institution since the 1920s when the Ten Tarleton Peppers and Ten Tarleton Sisters were brought together as a secret student organization designed to spread school spirit. In the early days, these students would get together in the middle of the night and create signs before athletic events to hang in the trees on campus. Years later, these “Poo Signs” are a highly coveted prize for students that are hidden around campus on Monday nights and given out at athletic and campus events.
QUICK FACT: RESPECT CAMPUS
Along with inspiring school spirit, the Purple Poo also serve as advocates for respecting and upholding campus traditions — wearing purple on Thursdays and not walking on the grass are traditions taken very seriously.
L.V. Risinger Memorial Bonfire
A cherished Homecoming tradition is the L.V. Risinger Memorial Bonfire, which has been bringing generations of Tarleton State Texans together since the 1920s. Anticipation and school spirit build as students, faculty, staff and alumni arrive at the Tarleton Agriculture Center and head out to surround the impressive wooden structure.
The bonfire, constructed and guarded day and night by the Plowboys –– a spirit organization founded in 1983 –– is surrounded and lit by the university president and their family, members of the executive cabinet, the Purple Poo and members of the Student Government Association.
With the Homecoming drum beating loudly in the distance, each individual places their flame on the tower as The Sound & The Fury play the Color Song. As the flames climb higher in the night sky, the past, present and future of Tarleton State can be seen in every face lit by the flames.
Class Ring
College is an incredible season of life filled with late nights studying, moments of selfdiscovery, obstacles conquered and opportunities that will shape the future. As students approach the end of this transformative time, they have the chance to receive a class ring that will serve as a cherished reminder of their college years and a symbol to the world that they are forever part of the Tarleton State family.
The tradition of presenting future graduates with a class ring has evolved over the years and is now celebrated with a ceremony each semester. Each ring bears elements to continually remind the wearer of their Tarleton State experience, with a unique series number identifying each ring.
QUICK FACT: RING CEREMONIES
Students with more than 60 hours completed can receive their class ring at a ring ceremony. Following the gathering, future Tarleton State alumni receive a Purple Poo signature on their ring hand.
Silver Taps
Held in hushed reverence beneath the fading light of day, the final tradition of Silver Taps marks the fulfillment of a Tarleton State Texan’s journey. As the bugle’s mournful notes drift across the quiet campus, candles flicker in silent tribute, and the names of those who have passed are spoken into the night, echoing through the hearts of those gathered.
It is a moment of unity, of remembrance and of profound respect. In the stillness, students, faculty, staff and alumni stand shoulder to shoulder, bound by history, tradition and love — love for a campus that holds treasured memories, cherished friendships and an enduring legacy.
Silver Taps reminds us that while life may be fleeting, the impact of Tarleton State endures in every generation that came before and in every Texan that will carry the flame after. It is also a reminder that for all who have called Tarleton State home, the gates will always be open.
1. Oak tree, representing the 254 oaks on the original 40 acres of campus, one for each county in Texas.
2. Eagle, representing the university’s strong military background.
3. The Silver Bugle, a coveted prize for the winners of the football game between JTAC and its former rivals, North Texas Agricultural College (NTAC). The bugle was allegedly misplaced by NTAC in 1958, and a hunt for the lost bugle now takes place on campus every Homecoming.
4. TTS & TTP, for the Ten Tarleton Sisters and Ten Tarleton Peppers, or as they are more commonly known, the Purple Poo.
5. John Tarleton, founder of Tarleton State University.
6. Silver Keys Club, a men’s social society at Tarleton State that was founded in 1933 with the main purpose of promoting fellowship.
7. Rock gates, the original entrance to campus on Tarleton Street still standing today as one of the most iconic and recognizable university landmarks.
8. Oscar P, John Tarleton’s pet duck that traveled with him from Tennessee to Texas.
9. O.W.L.S., which stands for Owls Win or Lose Smiling, was an all-girls social society that started in 1924, dedicated to fostering community.
10. J-TAC Hearts, the letters “J-TAC” surrounded by two hearts embedded into the rock walls on campus, represent the original name of the university, John Tarleton Agricultural College.
11. The Plowboy, adopted as Tarleton State’s mascot for a season and now a spirit organization on campus.
12. Rock walls, which encompass the original 40 acres of campus.
13. 1899, carved into the side of the plow to represent the year the college was established.
When you join the Tarleton Alumni Association, you’re not just celebrating your time at Tarleton State University, you’re paving the way for generations to come. Your membership fuels scholarships, supports students and strengthens the Texan spirit. Together, we create opportunities, build brighter futures and ensure Tarleton State pride lasts a lifetime.
JOIN TODAY. Make your mark forever.
Food To Fuel Success
Purple Pantry Helps
Address Food insecurity
By Becca Johnson
Acollege student's success and persistence can be significantly affected by an array of factors, including food insecurity, housing instability and financial hardship.
The Purple Pantry, originally established in 2015 as the Tarleton Food Pantry, was created to address the growing concern of food insecurity among Tarleton State students, ensuring that they have all they need to thrive, both inside and outside the classroom.
Nationally, estimates indicate that around 23% of
college students struggle with food insecurity. Additionally, numerous studies have been conducted to examine the connection between food insecurity and poor academic performance, consistently finding that these issues are closely related.
“The Purple Pantry provides students facing food insecurity with the support they need to focus on their studies and thrive in college,” said Isabel Talamantes, Case Manager of Student Resources and Basic Needs.
The pantry started out offering a limited selection of pantry goods such as canned foods, cereals, pastas and other nonperishable food items. In 2020, as more needs arose for students, the pantry expanded to include fresh, frozen and refrigerated goods as well as academic materials and hygiene products.
Since the creation of the pantry, the number of donations and students impacted has steadily increased.
Students who are interested in utilizing the resources found in the Purple Pantry complete a request for access online.
Once approved, students are able
to access the pantry using their Texan Card to provide a low-key and convenient way for individuals to utilize the resource.
“We’ve taken thoughtful steps like implementing swipe access to create a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable and supported,” said Talamantes. “Our goal is to position the pantry as a resource built on encouragement and empowerment, reminding students that seeking support is a strong and proactive step toward success.”
Earlier this year, an expanded Purple Pantry was opened on the Tarleton State Fort Worth campus thanks to a generous partnership between the university and the philanthropic arm of Dallas-based MW Logistics. Prior to this expansion, the pantry was small and had a limited selection. The new and improved Purple Pantry has a grocery store feel to it, with privacy windows creating an environment that feels both normal and secure.
Though the additional external campuses in Waco and Bryan do not yet have a Purple Pantry of their own, other community resources are being made available to Tarleton State students on these campuses.
“The Purple Pantry is a transformative resource that profoundly enriches students’ lives by meeting their most fundamental needs,” said Talamantes. “Its presence on campus ensures that every student has access to essential support while cultivating a sense of dignity, empowerment and opportunity.
“By removing barriers tied to hunger and basic sustenance, the Purple Pantry opens the door for students to fully focus on their academic goals and personal growth, allowing them to truly thrive both inside and outside the classroom.”
As Tarleton State continues to grow, so does its commitment to student well-being. The Purple Pantry stands as a
testament to what is possible when compassion meets action.
In a world where college students face increasing financial, social and academic pressures, initiatives like the Purple Pantry are a reminder that success in all of these areas begins with meeting basic human needs. Through the Purple Pantry, Tarleton State is fueling success by ensuring that all students have access to what they need to thrive.
The newly updated Fort Worth campus Purple Pantry is fully stocked and ready for Tarleton State students.
BREAKTHROUGH A Clean Water
Professor Turns Backyard Plants into Cost-effective Solution
By Becca Johnson
Every glass of water may contain something that cannot be seen, tasted or smelled, but it is there. Microplastics — tiny fragments of synthetic debris — are now contaminating rivers, lakes and even advanced drinking water systems. With something as necessary as water at stake, Tarleton State Professor Dr. Rajani Srinivasan set out to discover a cost-effective, plant-based solution to restore this precious commodity.
“My Ph.D. itself is based on the use of plantbased materials and using those materials to remove various contaminants from water,” said Dr. Srinivasan. “My curiosity about this topic was sparked because everybody deserves access to clean water.”
Dr. Srinivasan was convinced that there had to be a better solution to removing pollutants than adding more toxic substances. This led to her specific study of how plant-based materials could be used as an accessible tool in this fight for clean water.
The inspiration for this simple solution was rooted in her own backyard, where she and her husband, an agricultural engineer, have an organic garden where they grow okra.
“We love to grow organic vegetables in our backyard, and so I decided to use okra from my own garden as a potential solution to this problem,” she said. “We collected water samples from lakes, rivers, underground water and so on, and conducted experiments in my lab using okra and fenugreek. To our surprise, we were able to remove a significant amount of the pollutants.”
She explained that the secret to this solution lies in polysaccharides — natural polymers found in plant mucilage. When extracted from okra, fenugreek and other plants, these sticky substances bind to microplastics, forming
Dr. Srinivasan has spent years studying how natural, food-grade materials can purify water. Her latest work focuses on removing microplastics from drinking water using extracts from everyday plants like okra and fenugreek. What her research has uncovered is that these are not just pantry staples; they are powerful tools in the fight against one of the most pervasive pollutants of our time.
clumps that sink and can be easily removed from water. In lab tests, combinations of okra and fenugreek removed up to 90% of microplastics from groundwater, ocean water and freshwater.
Dr. Srinivasan was joined in her efforts to conduct this research by a committed team of undergraduate and graduate students. She explained that providing these individuals with hands-on learning experiences is one of the best aspects of her position at Tarleton State and her research.
“I am trying to train and give students this handson experience,” she said. “Students learn more when they can see the application of theory to real-world concepts and have that big ‘aha moment.’”
The invaluable research conducted on this topic would not be possible without partnership. The Tarleton State College of Science and Mathematics was instrumental with steadfast support, providing encouragement as well as internal
funding to help with the research. Dr. Srinivasan also received funding from the Division of Research, Innovation and Economic Development through the President's Excellence in Research Scholars initiative as well as equipment support.
In addition to internal funding, Dr. Srinivasan’s research received support from the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy and the High Plains Water District in Lubbock.
The team’s work has been presented at national conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals, and the group is now working to scale up their process for real-world applications. Field studies are underway, and the goal is to commercialize the method so municipal water systems across the country can adopt it.
In a world where the smallest pollutants pose some of the biggest threats, Dr. Srinivasan’s research offers a hopeful reminder: sometimes, the most powerful solutions can come from nature itself.
“I am trying to train and give students this hands-on experience. Students learn more when they can see the application of theory to real-world concepts and have that big ‘aha moment.’”
— Dr. Rajani Srinivasan
Summy Court
When Tarleton State basketball players take the floor at the new EECU Center this season, they’ll run across the name “Summy Court” painted in purple script, recognition of a $2 million gift from Scott and Lenna Summy.
The Summys previously established a pre-law scholarship at Tarleton State in 2018. Now they’ve extended their generosity to the athletics department and the sport that holds a special place in their heart.
“Our family loves athletics,” said Scott. “Our kids all played high-level basketball, so we’re excited about getting involved with not only the athletic program, but the basketball program as well, through the naming of the court.”
A 1986 Tarleton State graduate, Scott came to the university with a dream to eventually go to law school and become a trial lawyer. He was awarded the Dick Smith scholarship, which required him to maintain a high grade point average and keep his focus on academics. His diligence paid off and he graduated cum laude, then went on to obtain his law degree from Texas Tech School of Law. Now he leads the Environmental Litigation Group at the Dallas firm Baron & Budd, which he co-owns.
“I really couldn't afford to go to college, and scholarships were my way through school,” he said. “They were so influential to me, and we decided that we wanted to give back and pay it forward.”
Giving back has become a habit for the Summys. In addition to their Tarleton State gifts, they recently established an endowment to support the Texas Tech law school’s advocacy program, which is consistently ranked
among the best in the country. Scott participated in Tech’s national advocacy teams while attending law school. Their love for helping others goes back to their early years together. Lenna used to treat students to dinner when she taught in the Texas Tech reading lab. Scott and Lenna also formed a nonprofit youth organization when their kids were young called Supreme Court Youth Organization (SCYO) to enable kids without financial means to compete in tournament basketball around the country.
“We sponsored all the kids on those teams so that whether they had money or not, they could participate and play basketball around the country at a high level,” Scott said. “Nearly every kid on both teams got a Division I scholarship.”
In the Southlake community where the Summys reside, Lenna and a fellow parent used the SCYO umbrella to start a mom-and-son public service organization called Scholars and Athletes Serving Others (SASO) that helped with yard cleanups, backpack drives, school supply drives, banquet setups — anything that required volunteers or helped people in need. The group now exists and runs independently from SCYO.
Lenna currently oversees administrative duties for the family businesses, in which all three of their now-grown children — Ashley, Hunter and Fielder — are involved. One of Scott and Lenna Summy hold the commemorative Tarleton State basketball jersey presented to them in recognition of their generous gift.
those, a golf and leisurewear company called Vybwear, now takes up part of their home basketball court.
Lenna also has a basketball connection to Tarleton State — her niece Shanae Lowrance played for the Texans and was Academic AllConference in 2013-14. The Summys look forward to attending more games in the new arena.
“Ever since Scott and I got married, we always had a love for giving back,” said Lenna. “With what Tarleton gave
Unveiled Named for Passionate Tarleton State Supporters
By Elaine Hellmund
to him through the scholarships … it was very important to give back to Tarleton.”
Scott agreed, adding that they’ve enjoyed seeing the university’s expansion and recognition under President Dr. James Hurley and the move to NCAA Division I sports.
“Tarleton State is really on its way up, and we just got really excited about that and decided we wanted to be a part,” he said. “We wanted to participate in that golden age.”
Farm to
TABLE
Meat Science Program Connects Student Learning to Consumer Experience
By Jenna Partin
Driven by student determination, new faculty leadership and meat lab updates that blend tradition with innovation, Tarleton State’s meat science program — once a national powerhouse — is experiencing a resurgence. It’s all part of an effort to restore the glory days of Tarleton State’s meat judging teams, a time which featured nine national titles and multiple graduates who went on to shape the food industry.
Today’s faculty and students are eager to return to that level of excellence. Recent victories point to momentum, as the 2024 team edged out 2023 national champion West Texas A&M, showing Tarleton State's ability to compete among the best. Additionally, 2024 competitor Reagan Staab earned recognition as an American Meat Science Association Intercollegiate Meat Judging First Team All-American for the American Division, an accomplishment that factors in academic and competitive performance throughout the season.
The Tarleton Meat Judging Alumni Association is also
helping fuel the program’s momentum through fundraising efforts to facilitate team expenses and travel during the competitive year. Their involvement ranges from mentoring to career networking, ensuring today’s students see what’s possible after graduation.
But for Tarleton State students, the drive to
succeed is about more than just the awards. Behind every meat product, evaluated animal and sensory test, students are learning lessons extending far beyond the classroom.
“We’re building competitors, but we’re also building people who can make a difference,” said Kara Blackwell, instructor and meat judging team coach. “The skills they learn here, such as precision, communication and critical thinking, translate into every part of their lives.”
Inside the meat lab, students don’t just read about science — they experience it. Courses take them through numerous areas including evaluating animals in the pasture, processing, and assessing the tenderness and flavor of finished products. In a sensory lab, assessments are made on animals raised on different diets like grassfed or grain-finished, with students learning how feed
Dr. Sam Barker leads a lecture on linking research-based knowledge with the consumer experience.
choices affect marbling and consumer satisfaction.
Each lesson connects science with everyday experiences, examining questions surrounding how aging impacts tenderness, why marbling impacts flavor and what determines shelf life. Students come away knowing the answers and having a better understanding of how to explain the why.
“Our goal is to show students the ‘why’ behind every step,” said Dr. Sam Barker, Assistant Professor of Meat Science. “It’s not just about cutting or grading, it’s about connecting those processes to the meals people put on their tables.”
Intertwined in the curriculum are guest speakers, food scientists, veterinarians, grocery executives and processing facility managers from across the industry. Students leave with a clearer sense of the professional paths available to them, whether in research, retail, business management, education or beyond.
“Meat science opens so many doors,” said Randy Hines, Tarleton State’s first meat judging team coach starting in 1981 who led the program to multiple national championships. “You can go into a processing plant, a grocery chain, a university classroom or even manage consumer-facing media. It all starts with the kind of training students get right here.”
Not every student wants the competitive pace of
meat judging, but interest in the discipline continues to grow. Meat science faculty note that a Meat Science Club is on the horizon for students who express interest and want hands-on opportunities without the demands of traveling and competing.
The club will allow students to experiment with product development, explore consumer outreach projects and connect with professionals, allowing participants to build skills to prepare them for careers in communications, operations, research, teaching and more.
Consumer-focused research is underway to use QR codes or stickers on meat packages to explain exactly where a cut comes from, how to prepare it and even the science behind its quality. Just as nutrition labels provide transparency on calories and ingredients, these tools could give consumers practical, research-based knowledge.
“There’s so much good data in our field,” said Dr. Barker. “But it doesn’t matter if the consumer can’t access it. We’re teaching students not only how to collect data, but how to turn it into something useful for shoppers in the grocery store.”
That consumer connection also means correcting misconceptions. Students learn to explain why aged products look different but taste better, why conventionally raised meat is perfectly safe and why it's important to encourage consumers to do their own research instead
of relying on buzzwords like “grass-finished” or “locally processed” to fuel their decisions.
“Helping people understand why something works is a huge part of what we do,” added Dr. Barker. “It’s one thing to say marbling makes a steak juicy, but it’s another to explain the science so they can make their own informed choices.”
The program’s reach extends to the Tarleton Agriculture Center, where The Purple Tractor retail center offers meat, vegetables and more produced by College of Agriculture and Natural
Resources students. This provides a complete picture of how food moves from production to plate, demonstrating Tarleton State’s dedication to combining science with hands-on learning and realworld impact.
While the storied program continues its competitive momentum, it is also shaping a generation of leaders who can bridge the gap between the curriculum and the consumer.
As one coach put it, “We’re training students to be winners, but more importantly, we’re training them to help the world understand its food better.”
The Purple Tractor retail center offers consumers student-produced goods from the Tarleton Agriculture Center, including beef, pork and lamb from the Tarleton State Meat Lab.
THE TEXAN EXCELLENCE FUND
Give through the Texan Excellence Fund and provide all deserving students the opportunity to earn a life-changing Tarleton State degree.
There are no limits in your ability to advance student excellence and the programs that you are most passionate about at Tarleton State.
BE A TEXAN with a life-changing Texan Excellence Fund gift today.
NEW YORK
Tarleton State Turns Into A Second Home for Jiava
By Toby Rhodes
After growing up in the small town of Wappingers Falls, N.Y., Christopher Jiava packed his bags to move to the Cowboy Capital of the World to start his college experience at Tarleton State University. A little over three years later and on the brink of graduation, Stephenville is now his second home.
For the East Coast transplant, his journey started with an initial destination that was set to take him to Texas A&M University. As a Program
for System Admission (PSA) student, he would enroll at Tarleton State for one year with the intention of achieving guaranteed transfer admission to Texas A&M.
Despite initially planning for just a pit stop at Tarleton State when he arrived on campus in fall 2022, his plans evolved. Stephenville had quickly grown from an unknown to a special place for the New York native.
Now a senior finance major, he became immersed in the spirit of Tarleton State early in his journey, joining many organizations and earning leadership positions on campus.
Some ways he is involved include Greek life, the Interfraternity Council (IFC), the Tarleton Men’s Society and the Tarleton Transition Mentor (TTM) program. He has also served as a Texan Rep.
Jiava said that the TTM program has really made a difference in his
development. Not only has he been able to help shape the lives of incoming students, he has also been mentored by people who have shaped him.
“Dr. Kristy O'Keefe in the new student programs as well as Cameron Ellner were very big influential role models when I was coming into the TTM program,” said Jiava.
The pair of mentors expanded his horizon and began to make him think of the various routes that would be available following the completion of his degree.
While serving the incoming classes as a TTM, Jiava also spent time as a Texan Rep during his junior year at Tarleton State. In this role, he learned even more about John Tarleton’s vision and the long-storied history of traditions that have formed. This experience wasn’t just a time for him to help draw future students to become a Texan; it was an opportunity for him to fall in love with Tarleton State even more.
Outside of his role in Greek life, he is also a key
part of the Tarleton Men’s Society, a faith-based organization on campus.
The organization gives back to the community in many ways, including volunteering time at the local children’s and foster homes nearby. They not only engage with the youth but also work to help improve facilities by taking on different projects such as repainting their basketball court. Jiava holds a leadership role in the organization as the treasurer. This has allowed him to serve his community while also getting to do more within his major of finance.
Following graduation next May, he is considering serving in the Marine Corps, though he is keeping his options open for the time being.
From arriving at an unknown destination to building a foundation that has turned Stephenville into a second home, Jiava credits Tarleton State with setting him up for a bright future where the possibilities are endless.
Homecoming 2025 THE BEAT GOES ON
By Jenna Partin
Among the drumbeats that echoed across campus, an unmistakable energy was in the air for Homecoming 2025 at Tarleton State. Traditions old and new brought the spirit of campus to life unlike any other time throughout the year.
For generations, Texans have gathered to celebrate some of the best of what defines the Tarleton State experience. The Silver Bugle Hunt kicked off the week, followed by Launching of the Ducks, where students wrote their goals or wishes on a rubber duck and launched them into the water. That evening, the smell of purple pancakes on the griddle brought out thousands for a late-night breakfast.
On Wednesday, the Yell Contest carried energy into the night, echoing the passion of Texans past and present. The Snake Dance then wound its way through campus as voices united in anticipation of the steady Beating of the Drum that would lead all the way to kickoff.
The week of celebration continued with the Purple Out Concert, the towering flames of the L.V. Risinger Memorial Bonfire and the Homecoming Parade.
At the culmination of Homecoming, a memorable tailgate and football game kept spirits high. Each year, this week creates memories, friendships and connections that last for generations, and 2025 was no exception.
Love Encourages Young Donors To Give Back
Alumna Serving on Tarleton Alumni Association Board
Growing up as a triplet in Tomball, Texas, Emily Love didn’t have college on her radar. Despite hearing friends discuss college, she didn’t see a path forward for herself — continuing her education after high school wasn’t something that was discussed at home.
“In a lot of people’s worlds, that’s just a given, ‘Oh, where are you going to go to school?’ Whereas I didn’t even know the process to start,” Love said.
Nevertheless, she threw herself into sports and FFA, and her passion caught the attention of her teacher, Jessica Reeves, who guided her toward opportunities that would help her get into college.
“She came to me and said: ‘I can’t afford to go to college, but I want to. I heard you and FFA were my best shot at getting a degree and scholarship,’” said Reeves, now a teacher in Ingram, Texas. “From that moment,
we plugged Emily into every opportunity our program had to offer, and she didn’t just participate — she flourished.”
Reeves’ support was a blessing, Love said.
“She really inspired me and told me I was smart, I could do it and I could make a difference, and she put me in a lot of positions to be in public speaking roles.”
Love judged dairy cattle and earned a place on the agricultural issues team, which researched current agricultural topics and presented findings to community, county and state leaders in hopes of influencing policy. When the team traveled to the National FFA Washington Leadership Conference, she met with Sen. Ted Cruz’s agriculture advisor to lobby for FFA and 4-H students getting a tax break on livestock show earnings.
With Reeves’ encouragement, Love also traveled to Tarleton State University to compete in dairy judging competitions, and when her hard work netted a scholarship and a place on the university’s collegiate judging team, Love left her sisters
behind and moved to Stephenville.
“Moving almost five hours away allowed me to become my own person instead of always being connected to my siblings, and I was grateful for that experience,” she said. At Tarleton State, opportunities continued to manifest, and Love, bolstered by her conversations with legislators and a passion for communicating, took on leadership roles in the student body and with the Tarleton Ambassadors. She also worked in the president’s office, which led to an internship in Austin. The sense of community and family she found on campus took over where Reeves left off, and she thrived with encouragement and support throughout her time at the university.
By Elaine Hellmund
Love graduated from Tarleton State in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in communications. She worked as administrative director for state Rep. DeWayne Burns — then-Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture — before spending a year traveling the state as external affairs coordinator for the nonprofit Texas 2036, fundraising and contributing as a liaison between the organization and grassroots communities. She joined Cross Oak Group in 2022 and currently serves as director of legislative affairs and lobbyist.
“It’s definitely a relationship-based job,” Love said. “There’s a lot of
politics, but the best part is the people. It’s 80% who you know and 20% of the policy part. It’s amazing to see passionate people in the roles that they’re in, because like me — I have a story to tell of how I got where I am — whether they’re a state senator or an intern, everyone has gained a passion for this because of certain circumstances in their life.”
Love’s own journey stays front of mind, and she remains involved with the university she feels has given her so much. She visits campus often as a member of the Board of Directors for the Tarleton Alumni Association and donates regularly with the goal of increasing her gift as her career success grows. She acknowledged it's challenging to encourage other young graduates to donate when they are just starting their careers.
“But even $50 is helpful … and to keep that everlasting Tarleton feeling is to give a student an opportunity like you had.”
A Pipeline to Leadership Criminal Justice Graduates Keeping North Texas Safe
By Phil Riddle
The upper levels of law enforcement agencies in North Texas are peppered with graduates of Tarleton State University’s criminal justice program.
A part of the university’s College of Liberal and Fine Arts, it has become a successful feeder program, providing training for dozens of current and former chiefs, deputy chiefs and other high-level leadership in police and sheriff’s departments in the area.
Dr. Alex del Carmen, a Texas A&M System Regents Professor in Tarleton State’s School of Criminology and Director of the Institute for Predictive Analytics in Criminal Justice, said there are multiple reasons for the success of the program.
“The faculty includes district, county and federal judges, police chiefs and other law enforcement professionals who provide students with valuable insight into the criminal justice system that is rarely found in colleges with criminal justice programs,”
said Dr. del Carmen.
“This blend of academic credentials with real-world experience gives students practical knowledge alongside theoretical foundations.”
Additionally, Tarleton State’s strategic positioning in North and Central Texas, with a campus in Fort Worth and the RELLIS location in Bryan, provides direct access to major metropolitan law enforcement agencies. Students have opportunities for jobs and promotions with local, state and federal agencies all over Texas.
Those were many of the reasons why Weatherford Chief of Police Jason Hayes chose nearby Tarleton State for his online master’s degree in criminal justice.
“Some of the faculty are law enforcement practitioners, which gave the program a balance between the academic side of law enforcement and the practical side,” said Chief Hayes.
“When you’re working on an online degree, you also want those folks to be responsive. All my instructors were very sensitive to my needs when I had questions or concerns.”
A Weatherford native, Chief Hayes is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy in Virginia, which counted toward credits he needed for his master’s degree.
“Tarleton State was really great about getting me credit for those National Academy courses,” he said. “That helped decrease the number of hours I had to complete for my degree. That was huge to me.”
Recently retired Fort Worth Chief of Police Neil Noakes earned his bachelor’s degree at Tarleton State as a step toward the basic idea of giving back to his community through public service.
“My grandfather used to say, ‘Try to help at least one person every day,’ said Noakes, Tarleton State’s 2025 Presidential Legacy Award winner. “I wanted to work in a place where I could actually do that. My father was a firefighter, and I thought about joining the fire department, but I was eventually drawn to policing because I had some friends who did it who would talk about how they were able to make a positive impact in people’s lives.”
Noakes started his 25-year law enforcement career with the Fort Worth Police Department as a patrol officer and worked his way up to detective, sergeant, lieutenant, commander and deputy chief. He eventually became chief of police in 2021.
“I was a sergeant at the time, and I thought that was it for me, but the more I learned at Tarleton State, the more I realized the higher I went in rank, the more influence I could have.”
The first doctorate granted from the Tarleton State criminal justice program went to Dr. Mark Brown, who graduated in July 2024. He was working full time in law enforcement while completing his master’s degree in criminal justice at Tarleton State when he heard that a doctoral program was in the works.
“There are programs that provide a purely academic approach,” said Dr. Brown, “but Tarleton State is one of only two schools that provide a practitioner approach to the Ph.D. This is crucial in near and future development of criminal justice policy.”
FBI National Academy and Tarleton State alumnus Jason Hayes currently serves as Weatherford Police Chief.
Dr. Brown retired from federal law enforcement in 2021 after working as a special agent for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the United States Department of Justice. He now operates Law Enforcement Organizational Strategies, a consulting business targeted toward criminal justice organizations.
“My degree will enable me to teach and provide consulting services to criminal justice agencies,” he said. “My experience and education will allow me to assist agencies in evaluating policies, training and community interactions to contribute to the ongoing reform and improvement of the criminal justice system.”
The Tarleton State criminal justice program is also attractive to working lawmen because it offers a defined route toward graduation as well as specialized certificates in crime analysis developed in partnership with the Texas Law Enforcement Analyst Network and the Texas chapter of the International Associations of Crime Analysts.
“Tarleton offers a seamless progression
from bachelor's through Ph.D.,” said Dr. del Carmen.
“This offers a direct pathway to a successful, long-term career.”
Tarleton State’s stature as a top-flight option for educating law
enforcement leaders comes as educational expectations for job candidates in the field are rising.
“If you look at being a chief, if that’s your goal,” said Chief Hayes, “to get
that job, there’s almost a minimum requirement of a master’s degree.”
With a growing number of graduates in those key roles, Tarleton State is fast becoming the go-to institution for many in the region.
Left: Retired Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes recently received Tarleton State’s 2025 Presidential Legacy Award.
Right: Dr. Mark Brown earned the first doctorate from the criminal justice program in July 2024.
From Texas to the Emerald Isle
Business Students Explore irish Enterprises
Amazing scenery, in-depth looks into international business workings, one-on-one time with successful alumni and new experiences they won’t soon forget — these are impressions of 25 students from Tarleton State University’s Dr. Sam Pack College of Business who traveled to Ireland in June.
The study abroad trip — funded through scholarship by Dr. Pack, the College of Business namesake — took students to Dublin and Galway and coincided with Tarleton State’s signing of a five-year agreement with Dublin City University to collaborate on study abroad and exchange programs for students and faculty at both institutions.
Visits to enterprises ranging from sports technology and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities (including Saint-Gobain, which has a sister facility in Stephenville) to food services and innovation hubs presented participants with a variety of business insights and engagement with company founders.
The itinerary provided students with transformative academic and personal development opportunities, combining global exposure with realworld business insights, said Dr. Emily McLemore, Director of Global Initiatives and Services.
“Students engaged with local entrepreneurs and business owners, participated in cultural excursions and connected with Tarleton State alumni and supporters,” said Dr. McLemore. “These interactions allowed students to expand their global perspective, apply business concepts in an international context and begin building personal and professional networks that will support their future careers.”
Mason Haynes, a junior from Stephenville, said the trip was not only relevant but life-changing for him.
“With my major being international business, this trip was exactly the experience I was looking for,” he said. “It showed me so much more about the way the business world
By Elaine Hellmund
works across the globe — especially the innovation hubs that Ireland has implemented throughout the country.”
Tarleton State Texans show their spirit at Dunguaire Castle in County Galway, Ireland.
Spending time with successful Tarleton State alumni and supporters while exploring an international setting was eye-opening for Ricardo Morales, a junior accounting major from Hico.
“It was kind of cool to be hanging out with the grownups in a way that you could relate to them,” he said. He was particularly motivated by conversations with alumnus Rocky Hardin, chief executive officer and chief financial officer of Embree Capital Markets Group Inc.
“His career path aligned with what I’m doing right now, and he was giving me all types of advice and kind of showing me down his path. It really opened my eyes to what my
future career could look like and the possibilities it holds.”
Management faculty member Bill Leaverton, who co-led the trip along with Dr. Catalin C. Dinulescu, echoed the positive impression that interactions with donors, alumni, President Dr. James Hurley and First Lady Kindall Hurley had on the students.
“Meeting and learning from those who have already achieved what they dream of is a powerful experience for students,” said Leaverton. “It’s inspiring, and what makes it even more special is the donors’ genuine excitement and heartfelt willingness to share that journey with them.”
Many of the participants were firstgen business students, and about half were first-gen college students. A third of the students hadn’t flown on an airplane before; more
than half hadn’t ever been out of the country.
One of the favorite non-business places visited was the Cliffs of Moher, a UNESCO-recognized site famously featured in several films, including “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” and “The Princess Bride.” Morales, who observed that the rural Irish countryside and small towns reminded him of Texas, was nonetheless surprised to see cows grazing right up to the edge of the tall cliffs, hundreds of feet above the sea.
Viewing such a breathtaking scene was moving enough in itself, added Leaverton, but experiencing it with the students made it extra special.
“This trip truly transformed these students,” he said. “They came back different from the people they were before. The emails I receive from them now carry a new tone — one of growth and perspective. They’ve broadened their horizons, enriched their lives and stepped confidently into the global community.”
By Phil Riddle
Not His First Rodeo Coach Mark Eakin Leads
When Mark Eakin graduated from Tarleton State University and stepped away from the rodeo team, he told his coach — collegiate rodeo legend Bob Doty — that he hadn’t seen the last of him.
“When I left, I told Darla (Doty’s wife) and Bob that one day I’m coming back here,” Eakin said. “This is home for me, and I would love to coach here.”
His prophecy came to fruition in 2008 when he took over as head coach of Tarleton State’s national
Dominant Program
powerhouse rodeo team.
Since then, he has led the program to four team national championships — three in the past four seasons — and 14 individual titles.
Like many who have made rodeo their careers, some of Eakin’s earliest memories are of his family at various arenas where his mom would run barrels and his dad would rope calves and ride bareback broncs.
“My parents have pictures taking us to playdays and youth rodeos when we were 2 years old
and up,” he said. “When we were little, we did every event imaginable — barrels, poles, roping, goats — we were exposed to everything you could possibly do on a horse. It was all we knew.
“I had three little brothers, and we all loved it. We all rodeoed through college, and they and their boys are all still involved in rodeo. My daughter rodeoed for Tarleton for a couple of years. My son rodeoed until the eighth grade, and he went the football route. We’ve all been tied to it in some form or fashion.”
Eakin’s first exposure to Stephenville came as a schoolboy from Spearman when he traveled to an FFA judging event in town.
“I was in junior high or high school,” he said. “I fell in love with this part of the world and the school.”
His first stop after high school was Vernon Regional Junior College, where he was part of the 1994 National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) national championship team.
That season Eakin qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in saddle bronc riding, tiedown roping, team roping and steer wrestling.
He eventually transferred to Tarleton State and graduated in 1997. In 1999, he was named the head coach at West Texas A&M University, where he led his squad to a national crown in 2003. His efforts also resulted in being named NIRA National Coach of the Year, an award given just once in a career.
Upon Doty’s retirement in 2008, Eakin made the circle complete, taking over the 100-plus athlete Tarleton State team and putting his own brand on the program, earning NIRA Southwest Region Coach of the Year 10 times so far.
Collegiate rodeo, like most other team sports, has changed considerably since Eakin started coaching.
“Recruiting has changed a lot,” he said. “We used to get a few freshmen each year, but we really
Tarleton State rodeo head coach Mark Eakin and team member Cauy Masters drive steers into an arena holding area for practice.
recruited from the junior colleges. You could watch them, and you knew they were good in their classes.”
Now, many of the feeder schools are offering four-year degrees and updated rules allow students to earn two associate degrees, keeping potential transfers in place.
“Now we go after freshmen with the potential to make a mark here,” Eakin said. “You’re recruiting against the two-year schools, and it’s
intense to get that topend talent.”
To attract the top rodeo recruits in the country, he runs a student-led program in which team concepts are emphasized.
“Five or six years ago we started a leadership council,” Eakin said. “We bring in five men and five women each semester and do a lot of mindset training.
“By the time that group of athletes becomes seniors, about 60% of the team has been in that room and gotten that intense one-on-one training. It lets them take
some ownership and pride in what we’re doing.”
He said the team-first emphasis was evident during last summer’s CNFR when his ropers and riders were all behind the bucking chutes cheering for their teammates.
“Obviously we’ll have individual success to win as a team, but the biggest thing is focusing on the team with every decision. Once they’ve taken that mindset, we have everybody together working toward the same goal.”
Competing from a young age in a variety of events has made him
realize the importance of a balanced roster.
“That’s something I’ve always been passionate about,” he said. “A lot of college programs focus on men’s teams or women’s teams — maybe timed events. I’ve taken pride in making sure we’re strong in every single event.”
According to Eakin, support is another key to the program’s success, both within the team and from outside.
“The reason I came to Tarleton State and the reason we’re able to be successful year after year
Above: Mark Eakin, center, talks shop with Tarleton State bronc riders, from left, Jace Lomheim, Daxtyn Field and Colton Lewis.
Right: Walker Goffard works on his steer wrestling technique at Tarleton State’s practice facility while rodeo teammate Teel Sikes guides the action.
is the support we get from the administration and President Hurley,” he said.
Eakin added that efforts to boost the involvement of rodeo alumni have paid off as well. Additionally, more than a dozen individuals from the university administration and alumni were at the CNFR in Casper, Wyo., last June for the full week of competition.
“I don’t know any other school in the nation that has that kind of support,” he said.
“Support is not only important professionally, but for the coach, it’s necessary on a personal level.
“My backbone is my wife, Kelly. She’s the strongest person I know. She keeps things in perspective. My family and my faith keep me going.”
Mark and Kelly are the parents of a daughter,
Caitlin, a teacher at Stephenville High School, and a son, Coy, a studentathlete on the football team at Texas Tech University. Whether it’s family or work, Mark knows that it takes a village.
“In marriage, rodeo, anything, you have to have people in your corner.” he said. “Once you realize that you can’t do anything by yourself, it’s easy for me to sell that teamwork concept.”
“Obviously we’ll have individual success to win as a team, but the biggest thing is focusing on the team with every decision. Once they’ve taken that mindset, we have everybody together working toward the same goal.”
— Mark Eakin
A Star in the Making Victoria Cameron Finds Renewed Joy in Sprinting After Soccer i njury
By Phil Riddle
In an unexpected twist, Tarleton State’s 2021 addition of women’s soccer to its sports offerings led to the signing of one of the university’s most decorated track athletes, Victoria Cameron.
A two-sport star in soccer and track at Stephenville High School, she wanted to stay home for college but was initially resigned to the fact she’d have to go elsewhere for a soccer scholarship.
When Tarleton State soccer head coach Pete Cuadrado presented her with an offer, she was ecstatic. “I was offered a spot, so I took it,” she said. “It was better for me and my family for me to live at home.”
Her first year as a dual-sport college athlete was cut short during the soccer season by a serious knee injury that included a torn ACL. After a five-month layoff, her priorities had shifted.
“I never thought I would fall in love with track the way I did before my injury,” said Cameron. “I had always had anxiety and these little attacks when I was in high school track. I told myself: ‘I’m done. I’m going to quit when I get to college.’ Then I went to Tarleton State and started the preseason for soccer and realized something was calling for me to do track for one more year.
“All the anxiety just disappeared, and I started falling in love with it.”
Head track coach Bobby Carter said Cameron’s attitude and willingness to be coached are major reasons for her success.
“The first thing I explain to my team is that you have to have the mindset to win in everything that you do,” said Carter. “Victoria has set the standard of doing that. She is something special, and it’s great watching
said Thompson. “Victoria Cameron is a special person. While she’s best known for her incredible speed, she also embodies many qualities that make her one of a kind. She strikes a perfect balance between academics and athletics, excelling in both.”
Cameron appreciates the relationship she shares with her coaches.
her and sprint coach Tim Thompson work together. Victoria has paved the way and shown not only her teammates but also the world how to trust the process and become a student of the sport.”
With her injury in the rearview mirror, she came back with a vengeance. In her first full outdoor season, she won the 100 meters in three of four meets, including setting a new facility record of 11.33 in the Texans’ Joe Gillespie Invitational. She took fourth at the SMU Invitational in her only regular season appearance in the 200 and won the bronze in her Texas Relays debut with a school-record 11.36 in the 100.
“This year has been nothing short of exciting,”
“There are not many programs where you can find a coach you can bond with,” Cameron said. “It’s rare, and that’s helped me grow a lot as a person and to show my personality.”
Under the tutelage of Carter and Thompson, Cameron broke the school record in five of nine outdoor races. She is now Tarleton State’s record holder in the indoor 60 meters and the outdoor 100 and 200 meters as well as a member of the 4x100 relay team that holds the school mark.
Additionally, she earned second team All-American honors in the indoor 60 and the outdoor 100, was one of the first six Tarleton State athletes to compete at the NCAA National Championships in indoor or outdoor, finished ninth at the Outdoor NCAA Championships in the 100 and finished 15th in the women’s 4x100 relay at the championships.
“All the anxiety just disappeared, and I started falling in love with it.”
— Victoria Cameron
In addition to her coaches, Cameron draws support from her faith.
“I’ve got such a strong trust in what God has for me,” she said. “Indoor didn’t go the way I’d hoped, but, through my faith, I was able to work my way through my injury.”
She was named the Female Most Outstanding Track Athlete at the Western Athletic Conference Championships in May after winning both the
100 and 200 meters. She secured a third gold medal running the anchor leg of the 4x100 meter relay.
Since that performance, she has been named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America team and ran in the USA Track and Field Nationals in August, competing against heavyweights in women’s track.
“It’s extremely cool to run with famous competitors,” she said. “But once I’m on
the track, I’m focused on when the guy is going to call ‘set’ and when the gun is going to go off.
“I got to take my photos after the race, though. I got a picture with Melissa Jefferson-Wooden. That was pretty cool.”
As she has grown in the sport, she has developed new techniques for dealing with the stress of competition.
“It depends on how I’m feeling that day,” she said, “but a lot of times I’ll put on my headphones during
practice and warmups and listen to scripture and playlists of Christian music. That helps me stay focused and looking straight forward.”
With every race, she draws closer to her ultimate goal of an invitation to the Olympic trials.
“I want to be top eight for indoor and outdoor this year,” she said. “It’s a simple goal to just climb higher and higher. I need to work hard, stay healthy and not let the noise get in.”
CLASS NOTES
BY DECADE
Each of us can play an important role in the continued success of Tarleton State University. Remember, big accomplishments begin with small acts. The Tarleton Alumni Association encourages all former students and friends of the university to join in this tradition of promoting excellence.
SCAN TO SHARE your updates or EMAIL news@tarleton. edu
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TODD DANLEY, ’89 BS AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND ’90 MBA, was named among the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors in 2025. He has served area investors for 26 years, earning recognition as a limited partner in 2007 and as a general partner in 2017. Since 2014, he has served as a regional leader guiding more than 50 financial advisors in rural West Texas and Southwestern Oklahoma.
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TODD L. ERSKINE, ’99 MS HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT, was promoted to the rank of major general in the U.S. Army during a ceremony held at Joint Forces Training Base — Los Alamitos. Erskine now serves as the commanding general of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, one of the Army Reserve’s largest and most strategically vital logistics organizations. His promotion and new command mark a significant milestone in a career spanning almost 30 years, including multiple deployments
to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and throughout the Middle East in leadership roles within U.S. Central Command in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve.
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LAURA WATSON, ’00 MBA, has been named executive vice president, corporate and executive communications at Paramount Global. Watson will partner with the chief communications officer in leading Paramount’s overall communications strategy, with a focus on executive, financial and internal communications. She previously served as deputy chief communications officer at Warner Bros. Discovery and as VP, executive and corporate communications at The Walt Disney Company.
AUBREY GIDEON, ’05 MBA, has been named vice president and senior trust officer at Argent Trust Company. With 17 years in banking, trust and investment management, Gideon focuses on estate planning and trust administration. Previously, she served as senior vice president
and trust officer at First Financial Trust and as director of operations at Tailwind Advisors.
CHRIS BRIGHT, ’07 BS EXERCISE AND SPORTS STUDIES, was named Brownwood High School’s head baseball coach. Bright was previously the head baseball coach at Brazos High School. Prior to his time at Brazos, Bright coached at Harker Heights High School from 2013 to 2020. In that role, he was the lead varsity baseball assistant and head JV coach.
CINDY ALLMAN, ’08 M. Ed ., has been named director of special programs for Academy Independent School District. Allman previously worked as director of special education for Waco ISD. In addition to that role, her previous experience includes Killeen ISD, Belton ISD and Hillsboro ISD.
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CHAD DAIL, ’10 BS KINESIOLOGY, has been named superintendent of May ISD. Dail has 15 years of experience in education, most recently serving as the principal at May High School. In
this role, he successfully implemented new academic programs and fostered a positive school culture
ADAM JOINER, ’15 BS GENERAL STUDIES, has been named to the Association for Fraternity and Sorority Advisors Foundation Board of Directors. He currently serves as membership engagement coordinator at Order of Omega and brings over seven years of experience in fraternity and sorority life, having held positions at Texas State University, Auburn University and Southern Methodist University. Joiner has also received the prestigious Seven Lights Alumni Award, an annual honor from Sigma Chi awarded to brothers who have been alumni for 10 years and have given outstanding service to the fraternity. 20
DR. DARYL PORTER, ’20 E d .D., has been named principal of Northwest High School. Dr. Porter previously served as principal of Brewer High School in White Settlement ISD and as the district’s director of career and technical education. Prior to his time in
White Settlement ISD, he served in Crowley ISD as an assistant principal, principal and coordinator of district CTE programs. In addition to his administrative experience, Dr. Porter has served as a teacher in Birdville ISD, Fort Worth ISD, Hutto ISD and Medina Valley ISD.
TYLER SCHUSTER, ’20 BS AGRICULTURAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT, was named an assistant director of development within the Texas Tech University Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources development and external relations office. Prior to her new role, she served as the manager of leadership development for the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association in Fort Worth. She was Tarleton State’s student body president during the 2019-20 academic year.
ROBERT UNDERWOOD, ’20 MBA, has been promoted to CIO of Texas Trust Credit Union. The 17-year veteran of the $2 billion financial cooperative will move into the CIO role after serving as senior vice president of IT operations. He will
drive the credit union’s IT strategy, continue to fortify Texas Trust’s cybersecurity and optimize the technology infrastructure.
SARAH NOLTING, ’21 BS COMMUNICATION STUDIES, was named senior communications and media specialist at Visit McKinney, bringing a strong background in tourism, marketing and municipal communications to the position.
ELYSSA MENDEZ, ’23 BS WILDLIFE, SUSTAINABILITY AND ECOSYSTEM SCIENCES, is now a park ranger and natural resource specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Proctor Lake. In her role, she oversees wildlife management, hunting coordination and habitat surveys, putting her education to work while protecting the environment she loves.
SUNNEY LEMONSBOWDEN, ’25 MS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, made history as the first woman to graduate from Tarleton State with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, completing the program while working at Emerson Electric in Stephenville.
The 1925 John Tarleton Agricultural College football team outscored its opponents 276-25 on the way to compiling an 8-0-1 record. Now, 100 years later, the Texans are consistently a nationally ranked program.