Spring _Summer Magazine 2026

Tarleton State SPRI NG/ SUM MER 2 0 2 6

UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

Full Circle Generations Forged by Tarleton State Tradition

DEAR TEXANS, Tarleton State

UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

Spring/Summer 2026 | Volume 18 Number 1 President Dr. James Hurley Director of University Communications Jenna Partin ’11, ’23 Associate Editors Becca Johnson ’18 | Jon-Calvin Chance Gabriella Cortez ’22 | Elaine Hellmund Toby Rhodes ’23, ’25 | Phil Riddle ’03 Contributing Writers Rick Mauch Photographers/Videographers Joey McReynolds ’26 Grace Bartley ’25 | Jentrie Doty ’25 Logan Hiemke ’21 | Ava Mayfield | Eric Priddy Hannah Robertson | 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 254-595-7153

Cover: Worn for decades, Christi Lucksinger’s Class of 1972 ring was the second ever made for Tarleton State and has been passed down to her granddaughter, freshman Tori Lucksinger.

UPDATE YOUR MAILING ADDRESS THREE WAYS TO UPDATE 1) tarletonstate.us/update 2) advserv@tarleton.edu 3) 254-968-1918 Member of The Texas A&M System

MOMENTUM IS A POWERFUL THING and across Tarleton State, it is unmistakable.

But the story of Tarleton State has never been defined by momentum alone. It is defined by the legacy of one man’s gift that has been transforming lives and inspiring generational change for 126 years. From that selfless act, generations of Texans have found purpose and a path to a better future.

Through access, opportunity and affordability, our mission continues with extraordinary purpose. More students are choosing Tarleton State each semester because they see what generations of Texans have known: this is a place where opportunity is real and futures are changed.

Our momentum is not measured by numbers alone. It is growth in impact — reflected in expanding our workforce-aligned academic portfolio, and in graduates who lead in employment and graduate school placement.

It is carried forward every day across our campuses, where Texans put knowledge into action.

Expanding access and affordability remains central to who we are.

We continue advancing national prominence by pairing scholarships, guarantees and student-focused programs with growing federal research support in areas such as cardiovascular health, rural mental health, STEM education, and environmental science.

This year, our momentum reached new heights through the generosity of those who are deeply invested in Tarleton State’s mission. During Giving Week, our community surpassed $1 million for the first time in university history, a milestone that reflects a shared belief in the power of this institution to transform lives.

Together, we are building on the foundation laid by those who came before us while shaping a future worthy of those who will follow. What we do changes the trajectory of families, strengthens communities and creates a lasting legacy. That is the enduring promise of being Texan Made.

Get ready, Texans — the best of Tarleton State is yet to come.

Godspeed, and may you forever bleed purple!

Dr. James Hurley President

TarletonPrez

tarletonprez

Dr. James L. Hurley

CONTENTS

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12 | Carrying It Forward

38 | Saddle Pals

16 | Expanding Opportunity

42 | An Evening in Purple

18 | Texan Made

48 | Out of the Blue

24 | Space to Soar

52 | Rooted in the Sand

2 | Paving the Purple Way

28 | Legacy of the Ring

54 | Class Notes

8 | Where Passion Meets Preparation

34 | Purple Spirit in Full Bloom

56 | Silver Taps Ceremony

10 | Modeling Chaos

37 | A Mystery Revealed

A NEW ALLIANCE

Paving THE Purple Way

Graduate Success Rate

For 6 Years Running, Tarleton State Leads Texas in Post-graduation Outcomes Tarleton State ranks No. 1 in Texas for graduates who secure a job or enroll in graduate school within a year, marking the sixth consecutive year the university has led the state, according to the 2024 Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Almanac.

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“This accomplishment reflects the determination of our students and the unwavering commitment of our faculty and staff,” President Dr. James Hurley said. “A Tarleton State degree is more than a diploma; it’s a launching point to a successful and meaningful future.”

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The report shows that 84% of Tarleton State graduates achieve career placement or continue their education within 12 months of graduation, highlighting the university’s sustained focus on student success.

“Tarleton State has become a destination for students seeking real opportunity and longterm success,” Texas A&M System Chancellor Glenn Hegar said. “Its momentum is strengthening the workforce and helping shape the future of Texas.”

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Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award

Silver Level Awarded to Tarleton State for Excellence in Veteran Support

Tarleton State has received the Silver-level Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award (VEERA) from the Texas Veterans Commission, highlighting the university’s commitment to supporting student veterans and their families. The award was presented at the 17th Annual Texas A&M University System Military-Affiliated Symposium in October.

“Director of Veteran Services Stephanie Kittelson and her team work tirelessly to ensure that we are creating one of the most robust and comprehensive support systems for our student veterans and military-connected students at Tarleton State University,” said Dr. Sherri Benn, Vice President for Global, Community and First-gen Initiatives. “We are honored to receive the VEERA Silver designation because of the collective efforts of the Veteran Services team and the Veteran Advisory Council.”

The recognition reflects Tarleton State’s veteran-friendly campus initiatives, including the Veterans Lounge, veteran work-study opportunities, veteran-specific orientation and training for faculty and staff.

Texas’ Fastest Growing University Transformational Year-Over-Year Enrollment Increases

University leaders say the ranking reflects ongoing efforts under the Tarleton State Forward 2030 strategic plan, which expands academic programs, research capacity and industry partnerships to prepare students for meaningful careers.

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Tarleton State University is the leader in Texas for enrollment growth. According to data released by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board following the fall 2025 semester, Tarleton State leads all Texas public universities with a 48.58% increase in enrollment since fall 2022. The statewide total for public institutions over that period is 6.36%.

Beyond overall growth, fall 2025 data confirms Tarleton State’s transformational yearover-year enrollment increases, placing it among just five Texas public universities to demonstrate sustained growth marked by increasing annual enrollment gains since 2022.

“There has never been a more exciting time to be a Tarleton State Texan,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. In each of the last three academic years, the university has recorded year-over-year increases, including a state-best 21.3% rise from 2024 to 2025.

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Dr. Barry Lambert

Named Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Tarleton State named Dr. Barry Lambert as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs this spring.

He will serve as the university’s chief academic officer.

Throughout his time at Tarleton State, he served as Interim Provost, Associate Provost and Associate Vice President for Student Retention and Persistence, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Associate Vice President of the Office of Research and Innovation, and Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.

With more than 20 years of experience in higher education leadership, he has held key academic and administrative roles focused on student success, faculty development and academic program growth. In this role he will oversee all academic operations, including curriculum, faculty affairs, research and strategic academic initiatives, working closely with university leadership to advance Tarleton State’s mission of providing accessible, careerready education and extending research excellence across all disciplines.

“Dr. Lambert’s innovative spirit and collaborative leadership will accelerate Tarleton State’s momentum and strengthen our commitment to student success and faculty excellence,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley.

Division of Health Sciences Academic Schools Elevate to Colleges

Tarleton State has reorganized its Division of Health Sciences, elevating its academic schools to full colleges: the College of Nursing, College of Kinesiology and Sport Science, and College of Health and Clinical Professions. The move strengthens academic identity, fosters collaboration and positions the division for growth in academic, clinical and research initiatives.

Dr. Donalyn Alexander will serve as dean of the College of Nursing, Dr. Kayla Peak as dean of the College of Kinesiology and Sport Science, and Dr. Myoung-gwi Ryou as dean of the College of Health and Clinical Professions.

“This reorganization increases our ability to meet one of Texas’ most critical needs, access to quality healthcare, especially in rural communities,” Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley said. “By elevating these programs to colleges, we are expanding our capacity to educate highly trained professionals who will serve where they are needed most.”

The new college-based structure supports interdisciplinary learning, workforce readiness and preparation for the proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine. Division Vice President Dr. Elizabeth Palmarozzi said the reorganization allows the division to better coordinate programs and resources while ensuring students are ready to succeed in a changing healthcare environment.

College of General and Applied Studies Introduced

Headed by Dr. Rusty Freed as Inaugural Dean

Tarleton State has transitioned its University College to the College of General and Applied Studies (COGAS), with Dr. Rusty Freed named its inaugural dean. The change strengthens the university’s focus on degree completion, academic advising and workforce pathways, giving students clear, supported routes to graduation and career readiness.

“This new college will enhance collaboration across colleges and expand programs that meet the needs of today’s learners and employers,” Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Barry Lambert said.

COGAS includes Academic Advising, the Title III Grant Initiative and the Workforce Pathways program, while continuing partnerships across campus and with community and business leaders to support adult and non-traditional degree programs.

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FirstGen Forward Transformation Grant Strengthening Pathways for First-generation Students To Thrive

Tarleton State has been awarded a $5,000 FirstGen Forward Transformation Grant to support initiatives serving first-generation college students. The university is one of four institutions selected nationwide for the inaugural award, designed to advance data-driven strategies that improve student success.

“We are extremely honored to be selected for the FirstGen Forward Transformation Grant,” Assistant Vice President for TRIO and First-gen Initiatives Dr. Rachael Weldon-Caron said. “Receiving this award demonstrates a shared commitment to supporting first-generation student success.”

The funding will allow Tarleton State to expand programs, strengthen services and enhance decision-making through the use of Postsecondary Data Partnership insights. A key focus will be the IGNITE initiative, which provides mentoring, research opportunities and career guidance for first-generation students in the College of Science and Mathematics.

University leaders say the award reflects a collaborative effort to create innovative, data-informed solutions that improve retention and academic outcomes. As Tarleton State continues to invest in first-generation student success, the grant will help further efforts to expand access, build confidence and prepare students for long-term achievement.

New Rodeo Hall of Fame inductees, from left: Reggie Underwood, Jake Self, Tibba Smith, Cassie Ward Ambrose, Kylie Ward Weast.

Rodeo Hall of Fame Inducts Five New Members

Tarleton State’s Rodeo Hall of Fame inducted five new members — Reggie Underwood, Jake Self, Tibba Smith, Cassie Ward Ambrose and Kylie Ward Weast — at the organization’s 16th annual steak dinner and auction held, for the first time, at the EECU Center.

Underwood, a 1978 graduate, competed in bareback and saddle bronc events and recorded more than 1,000 qualified rides during his professional career. Self qualified for the CNFR three times in bareback bronc riding, finishing as national reserve champion in 2012. Smith is a four-time CNFR qualifier who earned regional titles in breakaway roping, goat tying and the all-around, and later contributed to the program as a coach. Ambrose is a three-time College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) qualifier in barrel racing, goat tying and breakaway roping. Weast, also a three-time CNFR qualifier in barrel racing, later advanced to compete professionally at the National Finals Rodeo.

Spring/Summer 2026

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Tarleton State leadership and faculty members attend inaugural Rural Resilience Summit.

Center for Rural Resilience

Bringing Texas Leaders Together To Strengthen Rural Communities

Tarleton State’s Center for Rural Resilience recently co-hosted the inaugural Rural Resilience Summit, bringing together experts from across The Texas A&M System and beyond to address challenges and opportunities facing Texas’ rural communities.

“Rural Texas plays a vital role in sustaining our state’s prosperity. It produces the food, fuel and resources that help drive an economy now ranked as the eighth largest in the world,” said Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar in his welcome to attendees.

The two-day summit united leaders in education, agriculture, healthcare, emergency management and economic development to develop strategies for rural community growth. Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Barry Lambert said the summit provided a multifaceted approach to issues such as healthcare access and economic development.

The summit concluded with action items to strengthen rural resilience and advance initiatives involving the center, A&M System partners and communities across Texas.

2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification University Recognized Nationally for Collaborative Community Impact

Tarleton State University has earned the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, reaffirming its commitment to service, collaboration and community impact. First awarded in 2020, the designation places Tarleton State among 277 institutions nationwide, and as the only university in The Texas A&M System, to currently hold the recognition.

Administered by the American Council on Education and developed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, the classification honors universities that demonstrate strong partnerships with communities at the local, regional and global levels. It highlights efforts that address community-identified needs while enhancing teaching, research and student learning.

“This designation affirms what our communities have long known: Tarleton State is deeply committed to service and to creating meaningful impact outside the gates of our campus,” Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley said.

The 2026 reclassification reflects continued growth in outreach initiatives, service-learning and community-based research across the university. A cross-campus Community Engagement Council, led by Dr. Misty Smith and formed in 2024, guided the effort and helped showcase the breadth of work happening across academic and administrative units.

Through sustained partnerships, the university continues to support initiatives that improve quality of life, expand access to education and contribute to economic and social progress across Texas and beyond.

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Spring/Summer 2026

Doctoral Fellowships Grant Research Excellence Fund Supports Initiative

A $500,000 award from the Texas A&M System Research Excellence Fund is advancing Tarleton State University’s research enterprise through the new SystemWide Innovation Fellowships at Tarleton State (SWIFT) Doctoral Fellows Program. The initiative will support 10 high-achieving doctoral students in animal and natural resource sciences, experimental psychology and integrative biosciences, enhancing recruitment, retention and hands-on research opportunities.

Designed to elevate high-impact scholarship, the program emphasizes faculty co-mentorship and collaboration across the Texas A&M System, connecting students with broader research networks and resources. The investment further strengthens Tarleton State’s doctoral pipeline and builds on continued research growth, supporting the university’s progress toward R1 designation.

Military Friendly School Designation Earned Military Spouse Friendly School in 2026-2027

Tarleton State University has been recognized as a 2026-27 Military Spouse Friendly® School while maintaining its Military Friendly® School Gold status for a second consecutive year, underscoring its continued commitment to veterans, active-duty service members and their families.

The designation reflects expanded support across campus, including dedicated advising, military-connected orientations, spouse-inclusive programming, Veteran Friendly Office training and additional resources through the Office of Veteran Services.

“Here at Tarleton State we love our country, stand for the flag, and support our military families,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley.

Future Summit

Shaping the Future Through Insight, Innovation and Partnership

Tarleton State hosted its Future Summit Feb. 26 at the Omni Fort Worth, bringing together nationally recognized leaders in business, healthcare, technology and higher education to advance the Tarleton State Forward 2030 strategic plan. The event also marked the midpoint of the university’s strategic plan, providing an opportunity to assess progress and focus on finishing the next phase with clarity and purpose.

The half-day event explored trends shaping intercollegiate athletics, lifelong learning, rural healthcare and artificial intelligence.

“Higher education is evolving at an unprecedented pace,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley.

“The Future Summit challenged us to think boldly and act decisively as we shape what comes next.”

Speakers included Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, who praised Tarleton State’s role in workforce development and economic growth; Former NCAA executive Oliver Luck, who spoke on intercollegiate athletics; Lindsey Beagley from Arizona State University, who talked about lifelong learning; Dr. Jonathan Nedrelow of Cook Children’s Health Care System, who addressed rural healthcare; and Texas A&M System CIO Dr. Vincent Kellen, who spoke on artificial intelligence in higher education.

Breakout sessions and a panel discussion moderated

by President Dr. James Hurley allowed participants to explore innovative strategies and align them with Tarleton State Forward 2030 priorities. “Since opening our gates in 1899, Tarleton State has approached each new chapter with determination and vision,” Dr. Hurley said. “The future is ours to build.”

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Where Passion Teacher Residency Program Shapes Purpose-Driven Educators

By Becca Johnson

L

ike most teachers, Dimitra Poulos begins her morning before sunrise, giving her enough time to drive to her residency classroom at Nettie Baccus Elementary in Granbury, Texas.

A senior education major at Tarleton State University, Poulos knows the long days and early mornings are preparation for a profession she has wanted since childhood.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” Poulos said. “I feel content — not complacent, but at peace. This is what I’m meant to do.”

That clarity has been shaped by Tarleton State’s Teacher Education Program, a year-long experiential learning model that immerses future educators in classrooms alongside experienced mentor teachers.

“Research tells us that teachers who complete residency programs are more likely to stay in the classroom and positively impact student learning,” said Dean of Tarleton State's College of Education Dr. Lesley Leach. “At Tarleton State, we partner

Poulos poses in the hall of the elementary school where she has completed her Teacher Residency Program. She will go on to make the halls of Mambrino Elementary a little brighter, where she will start as a kindergarten teacher in the fall.

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Meets Preparation closely with school districts to place teacher residents on campuses where they co-teach alongside experienced mentors, receive ongoing support and become part of the school community.

“The residency model not only prepares strong educators, but also helps districts grow and retain teachers who are deeply connected to the students and communities they serve.”

Teacher candidates begin with structured observations and gradually take on instructional responsibilities by co-teaching lessons, working with families and attending professional development sessions.

For Poulos, one of the most impactful parts of this residency is learning from her mentor teacher, Brenda, working side by side in her second-grade classroom.

“My mentor teacher, Brenda, is one of the most positive and impactful people I’ve ever met,” Poulos said. “She has helped me become a better teacher, but more importantly, a better human. She reminds me that one bad day doesn’t define you and sometimes, what feels like a hard day for us might be the best day of a child’s life just because they’re at school.”

Lessons like empathy, resilience and presence are central to the residency experience and difficult to replicate in a traditional lecturebased setting. Because of the 15 school districts that partner with Tarleton State, students in the residency program can learn alongside seasoned educators.

“Our residency program is valuable because it gives teacher candidates an authentic, sustained Spring/Summer 2026

classroom experience while they are supported by both mentor teachers and university faculty,” said Department Head of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. James E. “Jim” Gentry. “That kind of guided, real-world preparation helps bridge the gap between coursework and practice in meaningful ways.”

Dr. Gentry sees Poulos as a clear example of the program’s impact.

“Dimi Poulos is an excellent model for this program,” he said.

“She is a caring, highly capable teacher who builds strong relationships, communicates well with students, families and colleagues, and has already shown the professionalism and leadership we hope to see in the field.”

Poulos graduated this May and plans to pursue a master’s degree in educational leadership at Tarleton State, continuing her academic journey while remaining committed to the classroom.

“This experience has taught me that you don’t have to excel at everything,” she said. “You get to choose what matters most. I know I never want to be an average teacher, friend or human being. If I give my full presence to what I’m doing in the moment, that’s enough.”

Through immersive preparation and strong mentorship, Tarleton State’s Teacher Education Program continues to shape educators who are ready to enter the classroom driven by purpose and prepared through experience.

Poulos providing hands-on instruction to her second-grade class at Nettie Baccus Elementary in Granbury, Texas.

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Modeling Chaos

By Elaine Hellmund

Mathematical Simulation Probes Mysteries of A-fib

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eople who’ve experienced atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, describe it as a fluttering, racing or pounding heartbeat that can leave them breathless. It’s the most common heart arrhythmia, and according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, about one in 22 Americans suffer from it.

When Tarleton State University Mathematics Professor Dr. Bryant Wyatt experienced A-fib a few years ago, he was fortunate to have an ally in the field of cardiac electrophysiology.

His nephew, Brandon Wyatt, works for Biosense Webster, a medical technology company focused on diagnosis and treatment of cardiac

arrhythmias, and he drew on his contacts to help his uncle find the right doctor for his care. Then Brandon made a request of his uncle.

Dr. Wyatt runs a highperformance computing lab in the Tarleton State math building that he started fifteen years ago with a grant from NVIDIA. It has become a hub for collaborative,

award-winning research in astrophysics, engineering, biology, chemistry and mathematics.

“In the lab, we build and study simulations to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind complex phenomena,” he explained.

“Brandon asked whether we could model cardiac arrhythmias, and it struck us as both a scientifically

fascinating question and a deeply personal one.”

Now, with the help of a $464,502 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Dr. Wyatt and his students are harnessing the lab’s computational power and developing a research tool to study the underlying causes of atrial arrhythmias.

Irregular heart rhythms often lead to stroke, heart failure and sometimes heart attacks. A-fib happens when electrical signals in the upper part of the heart (specifically the left atrium) become irregular and change the Students work with a computer simulation modeling atrial fibrillation to isolate and treat irregular beats.

timing of contractions that help move blood through the heart. It can increase a person’s risk of stroke by about five times.

“Nobody really gets it, because it's a chaotic arrhythmia, and chaos is a really hard subject,” Dr. Wyatt said. It’s a mathematical topic that should be solved by mathematicians using advanced computer models and simulations, he added, to gain insight on what the mechanisms of A-fib are.”

Using scrubbed data from real patients at Baylor College of Medicine, Cook Children’s Hospital and the University of Houston, Dr. Wyatt’s computer simulation models those chaotic occurrences and allows students to interact with them, using simulated ablation tools to isolate and treat the irregular beats.

They can try out methods they might have read about in medical journals without endangering any real lives.

Collaboration with the College of Nursing once a semester allows nursing students to try their hand at treating simulated A-fib episodes.

Dr. Joe Priest, who teaches electrocardiography in the Division of Health Sciences, Department of Health and Human Physiology, said Dr. Wyatt's mathematical model of the left atrium allows students a valuable inside view of one of the major problems in cardiac function.

“His team presentation allows my students to visually perform ‘ablation surgery’ to correct atrial

A $464,502 NIH grant enabled Dr. Bryant Wyatt to develop a mathematical model to study the underlying causes of A-fib.

fibrillation, the same procedure that destroys targeted tissue in the hospital operating room,” he said. “Students become engaged at a rare level as they make critical decisions without permanent consequences ... the best learning experience. His interactive model makes very complex issues understandable.”

That interactivity and ability to try out different ideas for treating arrhythmias highlights the simulation model’s potential to be expanded as a medical training tool.

“There are only eight labs in the world that are doing heart simulations, and only three in the world that are doing interactive, so we're one of the three,” Dr. Wyatt said. Since developing the

simulation, he and students have attracted attention at conferences where they have spoken about it, putting Tarleton State right up there with renowned institutions like Johns Hopkins and MIT. They also present at industry conferences such as NVIDIA’s, students rubbing shoulders with industry experts and gaining valuable insights and speaking experience that will benefit them as they move forward into careers.

“Dr. Wyatt’s NIH grant is a testament to Tarleton State’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, high-impact research, and innovation focused on improving lives,” said Dr. Rupa Iyer, Tarleton State’s Vice President of Research Innovation and Economic Development.

“There are only eight labs in the world that are doing heart stimulations, and only three in the world that are doing interactive, so we’re one of the three.”

—Dr. Bryant Wyatt TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

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Carrying It

Forward Dawson Hearne Builds on Tarleton State Legacy Through Football, Family and a Future in Medicine

By Rick Mauch

O

n a fall evening in the stadium at the United States Military Academy at West Point, with the game on the line and the noise rising around him, Dawson Hearne did what he had done his entire career: He showed up in the moment with a 15-yard touchdown to tie the game.

The Texans’ doubleovertime win against Army would become one of the most memorable games of his time at Tarleton State University. For Hearne, it was more than a stat line or a highlight. It was a reflection of something deeper, a standard shaped long before he ever put on a purple-and-white jersey.

That standard carries a familiar name.

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For decades, the Hearne family has been woven into the fabric of Tarleton State. From classrooms to competition floors, their connection to the institution spans generations. At the center of that legacy is Ronnie Hearne, whose tenure leading the Texans women’s basketball program to national prominence left a lasting imprint on the university and on his family.

For Dawson, that legacy was never a burden. It was a foundation.

“My grandfather had an amazing coaching career, and many people know him from the game,” he said. “However, at Tarleton people know him for the kind of man he is. When people find out I’m his grandson, they tell me how

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much they like working, knowing or playing for him.

That has inspired me to be known for my character rather than what was done on the field.”

Tarleton State was already part of Dawson’s life long before he arrived on campus. Family stories, visits and time spent with his grandparents created an early sense of familiarity with the university. Sports were always part of the rhythm, but so were the quieter lessons of consistency, discipline and showing up for others.

“Staying at the Hearnes’ house meant basketball, golf, coffee, Blue Bell ice cream and fishing,” he recalled. “My grandfather has always supported my athletic career. From Little

League to college, he made every game that he could.”

Multiple generations of the Hearne family attended Tarleton State before Dawson, including his grandmother Darlean Hearne, who earned a master’s degree in administration in 1985; his grandmother Pam Duncan, who attended nursing school in 1999; his father, Kevin Hearne, who completed physical therapy prerequisites in 2005; and his brother, Jaxon Hearne, who graduated with a construction science degree in 2023.

The values instilled by his family followed him as he grew into a multisport athlete at Cisco High School, where basketball first captured his attention

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Dawson Hearne (88) finished his senior season with six touchdown receptions, a Tarleton State record for a tight end, contributing to the Texans’ 30-9 record and back-to-back playoff appearances over three seasons. Photo courtesy of Tarleton State Athletics.

and initially appeared to be his path forward. But as opportunities began to take shape, football offered a different trajectory, one that ultimately led him to the collegiate level. When Tarleton State entered the conversation, the choice became clear — a chance to carve out his own experience while remaining connected to something larger than himself.

At Tarleton State, he quickly established himself as a reliable presence on the field. Over three seasons, he contributed to a program that posted a 30-9 record and made back-to-back appearances in the second round of the playoffs, milestones that 14

reflect a period of sustained momentum for the Texans football program. His senior season marked a defining moment: With six touchdown receptions, Hearne set the program record for a tight end, an accomplishment that happened without fanfare and only later came fully into focus.

“We are biased for sure, but we feel he made a huge impact on the football team’s success the past three seasons,” Ronnie Hearne said. “He was a great example for the team with his hard work, toughness and high character. This upcoming season won’t be the same.”

Some of Dawson’s most meaningful moments at

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Tarleton State unfolded away from competition.

During his time on campus, he married Makenna Carr, a fellow student who shared both his academic path and his early journey through college. Their story began in high school, diverged across different universities and ultimately found its way back to Tarleton State, where they built a shared experience navigating coursework, athletics and long-term plans side by side. It added a layer of perspective to his time as a student-athlete, grounding the pace and pressure of competition in something more enduring.

Following graduation in May, Hearne’s focus has shifted toward what

comes next. A pre-med major, he plans to pursue medical school with an interest in rural or family medicine, a path influenced in part by his father’s work in physical therapy and a broader awareness of the needs within underserved communities. The transition brings a new kind of challenge, but one grounded in the same principles that have guided his time at the university.

At Tarleton State, the Hearne name carries a long history of leadership, impact and connection. That meaning is more personal for Dawson, showing up in the expectations set by those before him and in the lessons he carries forward.

Because legacy, at its best, isn’t something you inherit. It’s something you carry.

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Expanding Opportunity Kennedy Scholarship Opens Doors for Rural Texas Students

By Jenna Partin

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or Kristi and Mickey Kennedy, giving back to Tarleton State University is personal.

Their new scholarship, the Kristi and Mickey Kennedy First Generation Scholarship, reflects not only their own roots in rural Central Texas, but also their belief that education can change the course of a student’s life.

Kristi, a Comanche County native who grew up near Lake Proctor, said going to college was not always an expectation in the community where she was raised.

“My family were farmers and ranchers,” she said. “My dad didn’t really understand why I wanted to go to college.

He said, ‘What are you going to do that would require you to go to college?’ I told him that I didn’t know but I wanted to see what was out there for me.”

She found that opportunity at Tarleton State, where she earned a degree in mathematics before later completing her MBA at The University of Texas at Dallas. Mickey, who moved from Fort Worth to Dublin as a teenager, also began his college journey at Tarleton State before transferring to Texas A&M University to complete a degree in chemical engineering.

The two met after Kristi sat next to one of Mickey's friends in a college math class, who later introduced them.

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Both said their time in Stephenville helped shape their futures.

For Mickey, Tarleton State provided the academic foundation he needed to succeed in a demanding field. He remembers professors who made difficult subjects click for him and gave students personal attention.

“Tarleton helped me get my feet on the ground and get the background I needed to be successful,” he said.

Kristi remembers that same personal investment from faculty.

“It was the professors,” she said.

“They knew you. They cared about me and encouraged me. That meant something.”

Years later, following successful careers in business, finance and energy, the Kennedys felt called to reconnect with the university. Kristi retired from an accomplished tax and public accounting profession that included leadership roles in real estate and international operations.

Mickey had built extensive experience in natural gas processing, pipelines and energy consulting.

As they returned to campus and became more involved, one message stood out: First-generation students often need more than encouragement.

They need to know that tangible support is available.

That realization sharpened after hearing a Tarleton Promise scholarship recipient speak at the Tarleton State Gala. The student shared the obstacles she faced while trying to stay in school, a story that deeply moved the Kennedys and helped solidify their decision to create a scholarship.

“I used to think anybody could go to college if they really wanted to,” Kristi said. “Then I realized that assumes everybody is starting from the same place. Not everybody is. Some students are carrying burdens or other responsibilities that other people never have to think about.”

Their scholarship is designed to help remove some of those obstacles.

Awarded annually through the Tarleton State University Scholarship Office, the Kristi and Mickey Kennedy First Generation Scholarship supports one first-gen student majoring in a degree program in the College of Science and Mathematics who maintains a 3.0 GPA. First preference is given to graduates of high schools in Comanche County, followed by Dublin High School graduates, then graduates from Erath, Mills, Brown, Eastland or Hamilton counties.

The couple intentionally wanted the award to make a meaningful difference.

“I wanted it to go to one student,” Kristi said. “We wanted it to be impactful. We wanted it to help make the difference between someone being able to stay in school or not.”

For the Kennedys, the scholarship is about more than financial assistance.

It is about opening doors for students from small towns and hardworking families, many of whom may not yet see how far education can take them.

“Education gives you choices,” Kristi said. “It opens opportunities you may not even know exist yet. If you’re willing to work hard, the sky’s the limit.”

That belief, rooted in their own experiences, is now part of their legacy at Tarleton State.

Spring/Summer 2026

TEXAN MADE TRANSFORMING LIVES

INSPIRING GENERATIONS

†

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE TEXAN MADE? For more than 125 years, Tarleton State University has delivered transformational education, real-world experience and innovative impact. Here, students gain more than a degree.

They gain the knowledge, confidence and drive to make a lasting difference in their communities and their fields, and to inspire the generations that follow.

It's a legacy built one Texan at a time. For Dr. Kelley Ranly, it starts with leadership.

Kelley Ranly is the first graduate of Tarleton State University's Ph.D. in Animal and Natural Resource Sciences program, awarded in spring 2026.

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From Legacy to Leadership Doctoral Graduate Helps Students Prepare for Careers

By Jenna Partin

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or Kelley Ranly, earning a doctorate from Tarleton State University was more than a personal milestone.

It was a full-circle moment rooted in family legacy, shaped by a passion for equine science and defined by building something that will outlast her time on campus. For her parents, who credit Tarleton State as the foundation of their own success, it also marked the continuation of a tradition years in the making. At its core, it is a story that reflects what it means to be Texan Made.

This spring, Kelley became the first graduate of Tarleton State’s animal and natural resource sciences doctoral program, a distinction she said was never the goal, but one that reflects the opportunity she found along the way.

“It is special to me that I’ll be the first one,” she said. “That was not necessarily what I came in thinking about, but it shows that if you

Spring/Summer 2026

Steven and Miki Ranly, Kelley Ranly's parents, are both Tarleton State alumni who built their own foundations in Stephenville.

get your work done and stay driven, the professors here are fully committed to helping you succeed.”

That drive led her to establish a forwardthinking initiative: the Tarleton Collegiate Equine Leadership Academy.

Developed alongside faculty and industry partners, the program is designed to bridge a gap Kelley saw firsthand, students who are academically prepared but lack the real-world experience, professional network and confidence to step directly into the equine industry.

Through the leadership academy students are exposed to immersive, handson experiences. They travel, engage with industry leaders and gain exposure to areas ranging from policy and advocacy to business and operations. The result, Kelley

said, is a transformation that goes beyond the classroom.

“We saw the biggest changes in career readiness and networking,” she said.

“Students were making connections, gaining confidence and securing opportunities because of what they experienced in the program.”

For Kelley, the work is deeply personal.

As an extension program specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, she has spent her career focused on youth development. The leadership academy is a natural expansion of that mission, one that allows her to influence students at a critical point in their academic and professional journeys.

Her research evaluated the academy’s effectiveness, measuring growth in leadership, industry knowledge and life

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If you get your work done and stay driven, the professors here are fully committed to helping you succeed. skills. Across every measured learning outcome, students reported meaningful gains, reinforcing the value of experiential learning in preparing graduates for the workforce and reflecting what it means to be Texan Made: ready to lead, adapt and make an impact.

While a portion of her research examined barriers within the Texas 4-H Horse Project, including cost, access and awareness, it was the leadership academy that pointed toward solutions, offering a model for how Tarleton State prepares

students to meet the evolving needs of the agriculture industry.

Kelley’s connection to Tarleton State began long before her doctoral journey.

Both of her parents, Steven and Miki Ranly, attended the university, building their own academic and personal foundations in Stephenville. Growing up, she knew Tarleton State as a place where agriculture, horses and community intersected.

“As first-generation students, Miki and I consider our time at Tarleton State to be the foundation to our success in life and our professional careers,” Steven Ranly said. “We are excited that Kelley chose to carry on the Tarleton tradition.”

They credit the university’s handson approach as a defining part of their experience.

“We found Tarleton’s hands-on approach to be a game changer,” Steven said. “It gave us the ability to learn, grow and successfully transition into the workforce with applicable skills.”

For Miki Ranly, the impact remains just as meaningful.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity I had to attend Tarleton,”

she said. “The quality of education and the growth I experienced were a direct result of the university’s commitment to its students. I am so proud to be a Tarleton Texan, and to have our daughter carry on our family legacy there.”

That legacy helped shape Kelley’s path, even as she initially pursued her undergraduate and master’s degrees elsewhere.

Still, she didn’t expect to return.

An Aggie through her undergraduate and master’s studies, she ultimately chose Tarleton State for its equine science focus and the opportunity to participate in a oneof-a-kind doctoral program.

“That flexibility to come in and pursue what I was passionate about, that was everything to me,” she said.

Now, Kelley is already looking ahead. She plans to continue her work in Extension while remaining closely connected to leadership development and equine programming.

For Kelley, becoming the first doctoral graduate is not just a milestone. It is the beginning of what comes next, built on legacy, driven by purpose and reflecting the spirit of Tarleton State.

Students in the Tarleton Collegiate Equine Leadership Academy, a program Kelley Ranly established to prepare undergraduate and graduate students for careers in the equine industry through hands-on experience and professional networking.

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Spring/Summer 2026

BE PART OF

THE LEGACY. SHAPE THE FUTURE.

JOIN TODAY.

Make your mark forever.

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.

A New Alliance

By Phil Riddle

Tarleton State, South Korean Cadets Partner for Joint Training

M

ilitary students from South Korea came to Stephenville in the early part of the spring semester to train with the Texan Corps of Cadets, thanks to an agreement between Tarleton State University and the Republic of Korea Army Cadet Military School.

In a first-of-its-kind collaboration for Tarleton State, the university was identified by South Korea as a training partner for its cadets.

“They don’t go anywhere else,” said Col. Douglas Simon, Commandant of Cadets and Dean of Tarleton State’s College of Leadership and Military Studies.

“We’re the only university in the United States that has a partnership with South Korea in a leadership development program for its cadets.”

More than 100 South Korean cadets

arrived on campus in late January, where they learned about the military as a profession and how the U.S. Army facilitates operations and tactics, and got an introduction to local culture.

Additionally, the students participated in physical and field training and even shared quarters with Tarleton State cadets during their three-week visit.

“Living arrangements helped strengthen the connection between

the two groups,” said Texan Corps of Cadets student leader Col. Carter McKay. “We paired one Tarleton cadet with one Korean cadet per room, and it worked out extremely well.

“The cadets quickly formed friendships and learned a lot about each other’s cultures. Many of them are keeping in touch through social media, and we’ve even seen several of the Korean cadets wearing Tarleton State merchandise back in Korea.”

Once the training officially began, cadets participated in leadership classes taught by the cadres of both the Corps of Cadets and Army ROTC. The sessions allowed the Korean cadets to see how the United States military leadership model works and compare it with the leadership structure they are accustomed to in Korea, creating

meaningful dialog and learning opportunities between the groups.

Included in the training agenda was a visit to Fort Hood to see static displays, airframes and military equipment highlighting the Army’s capabilities.

The joint program was not all work, however, as the Korean cadets were treated to a performance of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, Tarleton State basketball games, campus tours, a visit to the state capitol in Austin and a shopping trip to an outlet mall in Round Rock.

“Overall, it was a fantastic experience for everyone involved,” McKay said. “It gave our cadets the chance to learn about Korean culture while sharing Texan and Tarleton State traditions with our visitors.

“This partnership will continue for the next five years, and we are excited to keep working with our Korean partners to build on the success of this first exchange.”

Col. Simon said agreements such as this have the potential to strengthen international partnerships and create bonds between participating military students.

“An exchange of this form, where cadets are exposed to cadets from another country, builds long-lasting and enduring friendships that help create alliances,” Col. Simon said. “At the end of the day, it’s between the United States and South Korea, but Tarleton State was the destination of these cadets. These are the strong ties between young adults who will become military officers in both countries.”

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Space to S

ometimes opportunity presents itself as a pivot. Charlie Duke wanted to be a pilot. By saying “yes” to opportunities he encountered throughout his education and career, he eventually found himself piloting a lunar module to the moon as part of the Apollo 16 space mission.

“The moon flight was a great adventure, and it gave me a platform where I could speak a lot and share my enthusiasm

to motivate kids to aim high, keep your antennas up and study hard, because you never know what life’s going to throw your way,” Duke said.

Back when Duke was finishing high school and looking for what to do next, there wasn’t any such thing as a space program yet.

As children he and his twin brother Bill built model airplanes. Their dad had served in the

Navy, and Duke, longing to fly, aspired to be a naval aviator.

A diagnosis of astigmatism in his right eye meant he didn’t qualify for the naval job. However, the Air Force accepted him, so he joined. After his tour of duty he wanted to pursue aeronautical engineering at North Carolina State University, but circumstances guided him instead to MIT, where he was introduced to NASA’s Project Apollo and

Astronaut Charlie Duke was the 10th and youngest person to walk on the moon as part of the 1972 Apollo 16 crew. Photo courtesy of Charlie Duke.

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worked on its guidance and navigation system.

“I met some astronauts, and I’d never met anybody that was so enthusiastic about a job as these guys,” said Duke. “So I said, ‘How do I get that job?’ And they said, ‘Well, you get your degree and go to test pilot school, and you might have a chance.’”

And that’s what he did.

“I graduated in the summer of 1965, and in September I saw an article in the paper that said NASA was needing more astronauts. I read the qualifications and I said, ‘Well, hey, that's me.’ I put in my application, and the

Soar

By Elaine Hellmund

Charlie Duke Endows ASF Scholarship for Texan STEM Students next April they announced 19 of us.”

He spent six more years working in various Apollo support teams before finally getting his turn on the 1972 Apollo 16 moon mission piloting the lunar module, the smaller spacecraft that was flown between lunar orbit and the moon’s surface.

Duke was 36 when he stepped onto the moon’s surface behind fellow astronaut John Young. The 10th and the youngest person to walk on the moon, he felt in awe of being there but also like he was in familiar territory.

Above: Charlie Duke, John Young and Thomas “Ken” Mattingly crewed the Apollo 16 mission. Duke piloted the lunar module (right), the smaller spacecraft that flew between lunar orbit and the moon’s surface. Photos courtesy of Charlie Duke.

“We were late landing, so we were so excited when we did land,” he said. “We’d studied the photographs of our landing area, and we had traverses that we knew we were going to.” One mile west would be Plum Crater; the second traverse, to the south, would be climbing Stone Mountain.

“The photographs we’d studied were, like, 40 feet resolution. But now we could see individual rocks, and so the overall terrain was familiar, but seeing the individual craters and all that we couldn’t see in 26

the photographs was very exciting, and John (Young) and I felt right at home.”

Having navigated all the turns his career has shown him, Duke sees the potential for Tarleton State students, many of whom are firstgen college students taking the opportunity to create better career paths for themselves. That was part of what influenced him

TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

and his wife, Dotty, to endow a scholarship for the university through the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.

Through friends of Duke’s niece, who lives in the area, Duke was invited to speak to students and faculty at Tarleton State and visit with the engineering clubs hosted

by Dr. Rafeal Landaeta,

Dean of the Mayfield College of Engineering. The Dukes were also invited by President Dr. James Hurley to a special lunch with faculty and supporters.

“We were so impressed with the school, the administration, the faculty, the campus and how many students are first-time college students that we looked at each other and both said, ‘I think we should endow Tarleton State with an ASF scholarship.’ We felt that the Lord was definitely leading us,” he said. “It was approved by the board of ASF, so here we are.

“We’re looking forward to the first selectee this next year. The only hard part is selecting which applicant we’re going to give it to!”

Founded in 1984 by the original Mercury 7 astronauts, the ASF is a nonprofit organization that awards about 70 scholarships annually to exceptional college students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The foundation has awarded over 850 scholarships to STEM students since its inception.

Tarleton State’s is the only ASF scholarship personally endowed by the Dukes. As an ASF partner, the university is able to offer an annual scholarship of $15,000 to an undergraduate student at the junior or senior level. The scholarships Spring/Summer 2026

As an ASF partner, the university is able to offer an annual scholarship of $15,000. create a pathway for students, particularly those from rural communities, more than half of whom are first-generation, to earn substantial financial support and access to a lifelong network of mentorship and career opportunities.

Duke has served on the foundation’s board of directors for a number of years and has enjoyed traveling to universities across the country to present the scholarships and meet the recipients.

“We have a national conference and invite the scholars to come meet all the others and the previous scholars and get advice,” Duke said. Professional development and networking opportunities mark the beginning of a life-changing journey that empowers students to make a lasting impact on society through innovation.

A visit to Tarleton State with his wife, Dotty, inspired Duke to endow an ASF scholarship to be awarded annually to an exceptional junior or senior STEM student.

Spring/Summer 2026

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Legacy of the Ring A Piece of Tarleton State History Encircles a New Generation

By Elaine Hellmund

F

or 40 years, the official Tarleton State University class ring has served as a symbol of achievement for Texans who’ve passed the 60-credit-hour milestone in their academic journey. Each spring and fall, an official ring ceremony celebrates the hard work and dedication of new ring recipients as they don their well-deserved hardware for the first time surrounded by family and friends.

This year marks the 41st year of ring ceremonies. More than 12,500 official Tarleton State rings have been minted, and as the generations of ring holders stack up, some of those treasures are being passed down to children and grandchildren.

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Christi Lucksinger, ’72, passed down her official Tarleton State class ring to her granddaughter Tori, a freshman, last Christmas.

Tori Lucksinger was surprised to learn that her grandmother had a part in the official Tarleton State class ring’s rollout when she served as Alumni Association director in the 1980s.

Freshman Victoria “Tori” Lucksinger, an animal science major and soccer player from Belton, is one of those lucky recipients. Last Christmas she was given a pretty little purple box by her grandmother, Tarleton State alumna Christi Lucksinger, whom she

lovingly calls “Kissy.” Inside was Christi’s class ring.

“Kissy started talking about Tarleton and the ring tradition, and then she pulls the ring out and is like, ‘Now I have a granddaughter going to Tarleton,’ and gifted the ring to me. It was very exciting,” Tori said.

Then Christi shared the interesting history of her ring: Although it bears the number 0072, it is actually the second official Tarleton State ring ever made.

The official class ring is special in many ways.

Its design was conceived by a committee of alumni and students who sought to achieve a distinctive, timeless look, and it incorporates some of the campus’s beloved identifying features, such as the gates, cannon, oak trees, antique light poles and the administration building, which was new at the time of the ring’s debut and symbolized growth and progress. The top of the ring is adorned with the traditional border of the university seal encircling the Tarleton State block T. But what really sets the official Tarleton State ring apart is that it was the first in the world to feature series numbering as part of the design. On one side of the ring, below the gates, is another block T that bears each ring’s unique number in the crossbar.

Christi was Tarleton State’s Alumni Association director in 1986 when the official class ring design was finalized and served as the

Tori, a soccer player since she was 5, was a member of her high school team in Belton and played midfield and center back for the Tarleton State women’s team during her freshman year.

liaison with Jostens as the first rings were being made.

“They wanted to give me the second ring as a way of saying thanks. Instead, I asked them to donate the first 10 rings to the Alumni Association to raise money for scholarships. They agreed to engrave 0072 — the year I graduated from Tarleton — on my ring instead of 0002.

Also, they customized it with my signature engraved on the inside.”

The first ring, 0001, was auctioned off at Homecoming 1987 and donated back to the university in honor of Clyde H. Wells, longtime member of The Texas A&M System Board of Regents and former president of the Tarleton

Ex-students Association in the 1950s. The second ring produced (0072) was gifted to Christi. The remaining rings numbered up to 0010 were to be auctioned off in subsequent years to fund scholarships.

“I remember when I got my ring, I just loved it,” said Christi. “And I told Ron, my husband, that one day, I wanted to give that to my first grandchild that went to Tarleton.” She wore the ring proudly for many years, until her fingers began to swell and she could no longer slide it on and off easily.

“It just slipped right on Tori's finger when I put it on her,” Christi said. “I couldn't believe my fingers were ever that slim!”

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Each Tarleton State ring symbolizes a chapter in the university’s story ... and Tori’s chapter is still being written.

Christi Lucksinger’s official Tarleton State ring, the second one minted, sits atop her husband Ron’s and son Adam's class rings.

“Well, it fits perfectly,” Tori chimed in. “And Mom has always told me that my hands look like Kissy's hands, so I guess it just was meant to be.”

Tori said she’s honored to have the ring and learn its connection to Tarleton State tradition. She, like countless others, frequently passes by the giant class ring statue at Rudder Way and Texan Trace (a gift to the university from the Alumni Association in 2020) but had no idea of her family connection to the official class ring.

“It's just cool to learn more about my school, because

I’d seen the ring statue and knew about the ring ceremony, but I never knew it had such a long history, and one that kind of tied to my family, too.” She still has a few semesters to go before she qualifies to wear it, but Tori said she looks forward to the day when she can, and she might eventually get her own ring to wear with it. In the meantime, Kissy’s ring will stay safely tucked away at home.

“I don't want to lose it!”

Tori said.

Tarleton State rings have been around the world, and two on display at the Alumni

House have even been to space. The first ring, 0001, traveled with 1968 graduate and NASA payload specialist Dr. Millie Hughes-Fulford on a nine-day trip aboard the space shuttle Columbia in June 1991. She brought the ring back to campus that fall during Homecoming and presented it along with a certificate from NASA verifying its flight on the 41st space shuttle mission.

Another ring belonging to 1970 graduate Mike Chandler flew to the International Space Station in 2018 and back home again in 2019, according to Tami

Christi Lucksinger, ’72, and husband Ron, ’71, passed their love of the Purple and White on to their son Adam, class of ’97. Now Adam’s daughter Tori is their first grandchild to attend Tarleton State.

Condon, Director of Alumni Engagement. Chandler served 45 years in the U.S. Air Force and was chief of NASA’s Human Space Flight Operations Branch at Johnson Space Center, and as a tribute after his death NASA offered to send two of his most prized personal items on a flight to the space station. His wife Gabriele selected his Tarleton State ring as one of the items.

Christi’s husband Ron graduated from Tarleton State in 1971. Their son Adam, Tori’s father, graduated from Tarleton State in 1997; his ring bears the number 2240. Christi couldn’t be prouder to have her granddaughter at the school where she still feels so at home. Tori agrees Spring/Summer 2026

that having grown up with family stories and memories of the university makes it feel like a very familiar place.

“Walking around campus, my dad telling me all these stories, memories coming back to him — it really felt like a home away from home, knowing my family had been there before.”

A soccer player since age 5, Tori played for her high school team in Belton and currently plays midfield and center back for the Tarleton State women’s team. She was selected to the All-WAC Freshmen Team and was voted Newcomer of the Year by her teammates.

“I definitely was looking for a school to play soccer at, and they had a really good

program for my major,” she said of her choice to attend Tarleton State. “I really love the coaches. It was just, like, everything fell into place, so it was an easy choice for me.”

Working in the family’s feed and supply business inspired her to choose pre-veterinary medicine as her animal science concentration.

“I grew up working with my dad,” explained Tori. “I've been around the agriculture community, and I've always just loved animals. In high school, I was able to do a practicum where I worked at vet clinics, so that just kind of grew my love for it.”

Each Tarleton State ring symbolizes a chapter in the university’s story, Christi

said, and Tori’s chapter is still being written.

“Traditions matter most when they outlive us,” she said. “Someday, Tori will put my ring back in the box to save for her first Tarleton Texan grandchild,” she said.

“After all, she will have her own uniquely numbered Tarleton State ring by then.”

“The official Tarleton State ring is more than a symbol of achievement — it’s a reflection of the journey, the memories and the people who shape us along the way,” said Condon. “Christi’s story is a reminder that those journeys don’t end — they’re a legacy to be passed on. Each ring’s unique number marks not just a moment in time, but your lifelong place in the Tarleton State family.”

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Purple Spirit in Full Bloom John T’s Week Celebrates Time-Honored Traditions

By Becca Johnson

W

ith flowers blooming across campus and old oak trees budding with new leaves, John T’s Week, formerly known as Founder’s Week, was celebrated in the full vibrancy of spring as the Tarleton State community came together to take part in cherished, time-honored traditions.

Throughout the week, students enjoyed a lively mix of events sure to shape lifelong memories, from athletic matchups in tennis, sand volleyball, softball and baseball to festive campus gatherings like Oscar P’s Birthday Bash, May Fete in Heritage Park, the Purple and White Game, and the energetic GlowRun 5K. The roots of Tarleton State were celebrated through the annual Stampede Rodeo, where the Tarleton State Rodeo Teams took on six other colleges and universities in several events. On Saturday, the community shopped local for fresh spring produce and goods at the Purple Tractor Farmers Market.

Meaningful moments were also shared as the community came together to observe Silver Taps and remember the lives of Tarleton State students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university who have passed in the last year.

Together, these events made John T’s Week a heartfelt tribute to Tarleton State spirit, community and the renewal that spring brings.

Spring/Summer 2026

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A Mystery Revealed A Springtime Tradition Unmasking the Spirit at Tarleton State

By Becca Johnson

Masked members of the Purple Poo surround the recently revealed graduating seniors to celebrate their accomplishments and the time they have committed to preserving the spirit of Tarleton State.

F

or over 100 years, the Purple Poo have been a recognizable part of Tarleton State University’s campus culture. Established by students as a lighthearted tradition to represent the spirit of the university, the organization has played a unique role in student life.

The Purple Poo was founded by a group of students who kept their identities secret and the spirit of the university alive. The group would meet late, decorate signs for athletic events and Spring/Summer 2026

then leave them draped in the oak trees on campus. Throughout the university's growth and change, this tradition has remained — though the group has found new ways to create mystery on campus.

During Dr. Barry B. Thompson’s tenure as the 13th president of Tarleton State, it became the tradition that members of the secret society would give the president a purple pig when they crossed the stage at graduation, revealing

themselves as members of the Purple Poo. This is a tradition that has now been taking place for over 30 years.

More recently, the Purple Poo Reveal has become an annual celebration that allows for students, faculty, staff, alumni and families to come together as each graduating Purple Poo member is unmasked.

This event takes place in Heritage Park, a part of campus that is very near and dear to the organization because of

the coveted Poo Signs that are still hidden in the park every Monday night.

The history of this organization and its significance to the university were memorialized last fall in the park with a Purple Poo statue, designed and created

by Fort Worth artist and sculptor Braedon Meadors.

As the Purple Poo continues into its next century, its legacy endures hidden in the trees, revealed in Heritage Park and forever woven into the story of Tarleton State University.

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With guidance from instructors and volunteers, a participant navigates a mounted activity designed to build balance, coordination and confidence through equine-assisted engagement.

Saddle Pals Therapeutic Riding Program Supports Area Residents by Teaching Horsemanship Skills

By Phil Riddle

P

osted on a glassed-in bulletin board just across from the arena at Tarleton State University’s Equine Center is a letter written in blue marker.

“You change my heart forever and ever,” it reads. “Love, Braycen.”

It’s written to Missy, the horse he rides as part of the Texan Therapeutic Riding program.

Director Dr. Ellen Rankins said it’s not unusual for riders in the program to become fond of their mounts.

“They can become very attached to specific horses,” she said, nodding toward the note. “He will be very disappointed if he ever outgrows her.”

The Texan Therapeutic Riding program, founded in 1995 by Tarleton State animal science professor Dr. David Snyder, combines evidencebased research with hands-on learning to support individuals through equine-assisted services.

“We offer therapeutic riding services to the community, adults and the youth population,” Dr. Rankins said. “We have riders from 5 years old to over 70 and a variety of diagnoses and disabilities.

“Right now, we offer adaptive horsemanship skills like grooming, leading and riding in a way that’s safe given their diagnoses and medical history.”

Dr. Rankins got her first horse when she was 9 and credits that experience with her choice of career.

“I learned to ride and I’ve never looked back,” she said.

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Rebuilding strength after cancer, a participant connects with her horse during groundwork exercise, working toward the day she can ride with her 8-year-old granddaughter.

She earned her undergraduate degree in animal science from Auburn University, went to the University of Florida for her master’s in equine behavior and earned a doctorate in animal bioscience and endocrinology at Rutgers University. Most recently she was at Colorado State University as a post-doctoral research fellow working primarily with autistic youth.

In addition, she holds certifications and credentials from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.), a national accrediting organization for instructors and programs.

She came to Tarleton State in September 2025, and in addition to her duties running the riding program, she holds a teaching role at the university, instructing undergrads in basic and advanced therapeutic riding.

The other part of Dr. Rankins’ role as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Science is to conduct research related to equineassisted services.

“My graduate training is in research on equine well-being and monitoring the physiological and behavioral responses of horses,” she said. “During my post-doctoral training, I expanded my skillset to include research that involves the human participants of equine-assisted services.

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“As we start research at Texan Therapeutic Riding, our first project will examine the feasibility and acceptability of providing horsemanship lessons to veterans and their families.”

This project, funded through the President’s Excellence in Research Scholars program, features a new approach, as most studies focus on individuals rather than a family unit.

“I am excited to have collaborators from across the university, including the Division of Health Sciences and the College of Education, for this project,” Dr. Rankins said. “I am also starting some long-term research studies where we compare different training methodologies for horses entering equine-assisted services programs and what might help them be most successful.”

Therapy programs at Tarleton State, including the new physical therapy program, are collaborating with Texan Therapeutic Riding to integrate equine movement into their treatment plans and student education.

“This training has included some of their faculty coming out for regular interactions with the Texan Therapeutic Riding horses so the therapists can learn more about them,” Dr. Rankins said.

Dr. Rankins is also a mentor to students working toward certification as therapeutic riding instructors. Sarah Scheler, a senior animal science major from Montgomery, Texas, is one of them.

“Dr. Rankins has provided a great level of expertise in all areas of therapeutic riding,” she said. “She is extremely knowledgeable and has an obvious love for both our horses and clients. She has put so much time, energy and wisdom into pushing me to be a better instructor every week, and I am so grateful for her mentorship and guidance.”

Though riders in the program are each unique in their needs, Dr. Rankins said therapeutic riding offers physical, emotional and cognitive benefits to nearly all riders.

A collaborative approach is redefining equine-assisted services, connecting research, teaching and therapeutic practice.

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“The physical benefit of the program comes in doing things many of our participants might not be able to take part in, especially those confined to a wheelchair,” she said. “Being on the back of a horse gives them that motor input that can be analogous to being able to walk. It gives them opportunities to use muscles they don’t typically use.”

Cognitive benefits come from sequencing skills that are also part of the curriculum.

“First, we use this brush in grooming,” Dr. Rankins said, “then we use a

second brush and a third brush. They remember patterns and eventually can use those abilities in other areas of their life.”

From an emotional perspective, riders gain confidence as they learn they can direct their horse’s movements.

“There’s a social aspect, too,” she said. “We ride in mostly group classes so there are dynamics between the different riders, how we all work together and how we all engage safely in fun activities together.”

AN EVENING IN

PURPLE

Nine Honored for Service, Leadership and Impact

T

arleton State University celebrated nine Presidential Legacy and Distinguished Alumni award recipients at the 2026 Gala, An Evening in Purple, held inside the EECU Center.

Presidential Legacy Awards recognize individuals and supporters who exhibit the university’s core values of excellence, integrity and respect. Honorees are selected by Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley.

Distinguished Alumni recipients bring distinction to Tarleton State through their career, community service or leadership. Honorees are nominated by their peers and selected by the Tarleton Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Tarleton Promise Provides Christensen Sense of Stability Anise Christensen’s story offered a clear example of the impact behind the evening’s purpose. A firstgeneration college student from Canyon Lake and a Tarleton Promise Program recipient, she earned her degree in environmental science in May and will continue her education through Tarleton State’s master’s program in environmental sciences.

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Her journey to Tarleton State was shaped by significant challenges. During her childhood, her family experienced instability following her parents’ pending divorce and her father’s battle with a rare and incurable form of dementia. The emotional and financial strain that followed carried into her teenage years, Spring/Summer 2026

bringing anxiety, depression and uncertainty about her future. As she approached college, the question of how to afford it remained a constant concern.

At Tarleton State, that instability shifted.

Support through the Tarleton Promise Program provided the foundation she needed to enroll and Spring/Summer 2026

continue her education. Even as she experienced the loss of her father during her sophomore year, that support remained consistent.

Christensen became actively engaged across campus, serving as an honors mentor and ambassador while taking on leadership roles and building meaningful connections within the Tarleton

State community. Her experience reflects both academic achievement and personal growth, shaped by a strong sense of belonging.

The Tarleton Promise Program provided Christensen with more than financial assistance. It offered stability and support, allowing her to focus on her education and future goals.

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2026 Presidential Legacy Award Recipients

Gene and Barbara Sherwin

Mitchell and Pamela Wills-Ward

The Honorable Brian Birdwell

Sometimes the most meaningful impact begins with a simple idea.

After retiring to Stephenville, Gene and Barbara Sherwin set out to serve college students in a practical and personal way.

Opening their home to Tarleton State student-athletes, they began a tradition of sharing meals that has grown into decades of connection and care.

With Gene’s background as an engineer and Barbara’s dedication to hospitality, they have provided thousands of meals while building relationships that extend far beyond campus. Weekly deliveries of homemade baked goods have become a familiar presence, reflecting their consistent commitment to students and the broader university community.

The Sherwins' work is rooted in generosity and faith, focusing not on recognition but on meeting needs and creating lasting connections. As recipients of the Presidential Legacy Award, they exemplify the quiet, meaningful service that strengthens Tarleton State at its core.

A shared commitment to service has guided both a successful business and a meaningful philanthropic mission.

Through leadership of MW Logistics and the MW Cares Foundation, Mitchell and Pamela Wills-Ward have created programs that address real community needs, including providing more than 1 million pounds of food annually to families across North Texas. The couple’s work reflects a focus on sustainability, dignity and long-term impact.

At Tarleton State, their support transformed the Purple Pantry at the Fort Worth campus into a modern, accessible resource for students. Designed to remove barriers, the space offers food, supplies and privacy, ensuring students can focus on their education.

Rooted in personal experience and a belief that no student should have to choose between basic needs and academic success, their efforts continue to expand opportunity and support student well-being.

Service, resilience and leadership define a career shaped by both challenge and commitment.

Brian Birdwell is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service.

He held assignments around the world, including during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

On Sept. 11, 2001, he survived the attack on the Pentagon, an experience that led to a long recovery and a renewed focus on service to others.

In the years that followed, he and his wife founded a nonprofit supporting burn survivors and families navigating trauma. His public service continued through election to the Texas Senate, where he has represented District 22 since 2010, advocating for education, rural communities and economic development.

His connection to Tarleton State reflects a shared belief in education as a gateway to opportunity.

Recognized with the Presidential Legacy Award, he embodies perseverance and a lasting commitment to serving others.

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Spring/Summer 2026

2026 Tarleton Alumni Association Award Recipients

Distinguished Alumni The Honorable Ben Barnes

Distinguished Alumni J.C. Johnson

Distinguished Alumni Lionel Lane

A foundation of hard work and community shaped a lifelong belief in the power of education and its ability to create opportunity.

That perspective would guide Ben Barnes to the highest levels of Texas government.

He attended Tarleton State before earning a business degree from The University of Texas at Austin and quickly rising through public service.

He became one of the youngest speakers of the Texas House and later served as the 36th lieutenant governor of Texas, where he was known for disciplined leadership.

Throughout his tenure, he championed policies that strengthened public and higher education across the state.

Following his time in elected office, he built a distinguished career in business and public affairs while remaining active in civic leadership, including involvement with the LBJ Foundation and continued support of public policy education. His connection to Tarleton State reflects a deep appreciation for the role education plays in shaping opportunity and strengthening communities.

Few embody the phrase “bleed purple” more fully than those who grew up on campus. For one J.C. Johnson, that connection began during his childhood and evolved into a lifetime of leadership and service.

Immersed in university life as the son of a longtime administrator, Johnny Johnson, he later returned as a student, serving as student body vice president, earning the John Tarleton Spirit Award and helping found the Zeta Beta Chapter of Kappa Delta Rho. After earning a degree in agricultural services and development, he pursued advanced degrees in business and law, building a successful legal career as a managing equity partner at a Fort Worth firm.

His commitment to Tarleton State continues through active support of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the creation of the Bleed Purple Athletic Alliance, which enhances opportunities for student-athletes. Rooted in a belief that higher education shapes both character and career, his legacy reflects enduring pride, leadership and a commitment to giving back.

What began as a group of students looking for a place to compete helped launch one of Tarleton State’s most storied traditions.

Lionel Lane is a founding member of the university’s first rodeo team and he helped build the program from the ground up, constructing practice facilities and competing at the highest level.

Within just a few years, that effort resulted in national recognition, including a team championship in 1967. A first-generation college student, he graduated as part of Tarleton State’s first four-year class with a degree in general agriculture.

His connection to the university has remained strong for decades, with continued support of the rodeo program and a family legacy that spans multiple generations of Tarleton State students. As president of Lane Resources, he built a successful career in animal health and nutrition, reflecting the same determination and work ethic that defined his time on campus.

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2026 Tarleton Alumni Association Award Recipients

Distinguished Young Alumni Dr. Adewale A. Adenrele

Distinguished Friend Allan Rodger

Heartbeat Award Bill Muncey

Arriving at Tarleton State from Nigeria with ambition and discipline, Adewale Adenrele quickly embraced opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

Supported by an ROTC scholarship, he earned a degree in biological sciences while taking on leadership roles across campus, including student government, multicultural initiatives and the founding of what is now the Black Student Union. Those experiences helped shape a career defined by service and technical expertise.

Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army before pursuing advanced education, earning both a master’s degree and a doctorate in cybersecurity and information assurance. Today, he works as a senior cybersecurity engineer supporting Department of Defense initiatives.

His commitment to mentorship continues through professional and nonprofit efforts, encouraging others to pursue education and leadership opportunities. His journey reflects resilience, global perspective and the lasting impact of a Tarleton State education.

With a willingness to start from the ground up, Allan Rodger has defined a career built on vision, persistence and growth.

Beginning with hands-on work in the roofing industry, he went on to establish Zenith Roofing and Waterproofing, growing it into a successful business rooted in strong leadership and long-term strategy.

That same drive has shaped his involvement at Tarleton State.

A passionate advocate for wrestling, he has played a key role in developing the university’s wrestling club by recruiting talent, securing funding and establishing training facilities. His efforts reflect a broader commitment to expanding opportunities for student-athletes, particularly as interest in the sport continues to grow across Texas.

His support demonstrates a belief in building programs that meet emerging needs while strengthening the student experience. Through both business and philanthropy, his impact continues to shape opportunities for future Texans.

A connection that began as a student experience for Bill Muncey has grown into decades of steady involvement and support.

Since arriving on campus in 1974, he has remained closely tied to Tarleton State, from his early days as a member of the Purple Poo spirit organization to his ongoing leadership within the Tarleton Alumni Association. Serving multiple terms on the board, he has played a role in strengthening alumni engagement and supporting the university’s continued growth.

His ties to Stephenville and Erath County run deep, making Tarleton State a natural place to invest both time and energy. Beyond his university involvement, he remains active in the community and pursues personal interests in restoration and collecting vintage signage and memorabilia.

Recognized with the Heartbeat Award, his story reflects the lasting impact of alumni who continue to give back, reinforcing the traditions and connections that define Tarleton State.

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TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY OFFICIAL RING TRADITION

Connected

FOR LIFE

ORD ER YOU R OFFICIAL TA R L E TO N S TAT E R I N G TO DAY !

J O ST E N S .CO M /CO L L E G E R I N G S ©2026 Jostens, Inc. 252364

Spring/Summer 2026

TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

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Out of the Blue

By Phil Riddle

Tarleton State’s Top Cop Targeting Summer’s End for Retirement

T

arleton State University Chief of Police Matt Welch is deciding what to do with an office full of mementos from his 43-year career in law enforcement.

An antique knife once owned by a member of the French Foreign Legion sits atop a table near his desk, a cast iron street-mounted stop sign from the ’40s is on the floor in front of his window, and there are dozens of police challenge coins, small customized medallions that recognize service, commemorate milestones and foster camaraderie.

There’s a purple shovel from a university groundbreaking event given to him by then-Chancellor

Behind University Police Chief Matt Welch, a curated wall of police challenge coins and custom medallions offers a glimpse into relationships and milestones that have shaped his career.

John Sharp leaning against the wall.

“I would pick him up from the airport when he’d come to Stephenville,” Welch said.

“He was headed home once and he said to me, ‘Man, I’ve got a closet full of shovels; do you want it?’ I said, ‘Sure.’”

He must find new homes for all those things and many other souvenirs as he prepares to transition to retirement at the end of the summer.

“My last day is set to be Aug. 31,” he said, explaining that health issues, some related to stress, led to his decision to step away from the position he’s held since 2014.

“I feel better, but my doctor said part of it is hereditary and part of it is stress. I asked her if she was suggesting retirement and she said, ‘Yeah, if you can.’ So, here we are.”

Welch started police work in 1983 after a move from the Rio Grande Valley, where

he grew up, to Durango, Colo. His first gig in law enforcement was with the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office there.

“My parents moved up there and I kind of followed the food,” he said. “I loved it up there, hunting, fishing, skiing, everything outdoors.”

As the area became popular for retirees from other parts of the country, prices began to rise, and Welch started planning a return the Lone Star State.

“My best friend at the sheriff’s office, also from Texas, had a brother who worked at the Tarrant County DA’s office, and he spoke highly of the Fort Worth Police Department. My friend went to work there, and I came in a year later.”

During the 28 years he worked for the FWPD, he spent time as the liaison officer between the department and Texas Christian University, where

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Administrative Sergeant Stan Parker and Chief of Police Matt Welch provided 22 years of combined service and protection for Tarleton State.

he learned about policing a college campus.

His plan was to retire from the FWPD, but he heard about the opening at Tarleton State in 2014, applied and beat out more than 100 other applicants for the post.

Since then, he has helped celebrate the Tarleton State University Police Department’s 50th anniversary and led the department to a variety of professional law enforcement honors and awards.

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Upon his retirement, Chief Welch will leave a legacy of strengthening campus safety through professional standards, community engagement, and recognized excellence in law enforcement.

Under his 12-year watch the department achieved its Best Practices accreditation through the Texas Police Chiefs Association, making it the first accredited law enforcement agency in Erath County and highlighting its

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compliance with more than 170 statewide standards for effective, rights-based policing.

These Best Practices were developed by Texas law enforcement professionals to assist agencies in the efficient and effective delivery of service, the reduction of risk and the protection of individual rights.

Tarleton State’s Police Department first became accredited in 2020. At the time, the department was

the only police agency in Erath County with this accreditation. Out of more than 2,800 police departments in Texas, fewer than 300 are accredited by the TPCA. Chief Welch’s tenure also includes guiding the department to earn statewide recognition from the Texas Police Chiefs Association for policy and operational excellence, fostering community outreach initiatives such as Shop with Spring/Summer 2026

a Cop and strengthening preventive safety measures, visibility and responsiveness across Tarleton State’s campuses.

Changes to Tarleton State’s physical footprint in the last 12 years have led to an expansion to the department’s list of duties.

“The university has grown rapidly,” he said.

“Every time we add a building, it’s one more we need to secure and check every night. I think of all Spring/Summer 2026

the buildings that have been added since I’ve been here — the farm, the rodeo facility, the Fort Worth campus — it’s a big job and I’m proud of the way we’ve handled it.”

In addition, the chief pointed out that Tarleton State’s DI athletics success has seen crowds grow tenfold, requiring as many as six agencies for big games and tailgates.

Though he won’t be at his familiar desk chair, Welch anticipates staying busy, with plans including volunteer

work, whittling down the entries on his “honey-do” list and traveling with his wife.

“I can’t wait,” he said.

A key member of Welch’s Tarleton State force also plans to leave his post at the same time the Chief retires.

Administrative Sergeant Stan Parker will move into civilian life at the end of the summer.

Parker, who has been at Tarleton State since 2016, came to Stephenville after 29 years with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Like Welch,

his retirement plans focus on travel with his wife.

“I have greatly enjoyed my time here while working for Chief Welch,” he said. “He is a man of high morals and has a great sense of humor as well.”

Welch, who has also served on the faculty of the Tarleton State criminal justice program, said he’s excited to begin his new chapter.

“It’s been wonderful,” he said. “I got more than a few gray hairs from it, but I’ve learned a lot.”

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Rooted in the

Sand

Early Milestones Mark the Start of Something Special

By Toby Rhodes

hile not a place of palm trees and ocean breezes, Tarleton State University is building something special in the sand.

Less than three years ago, Tarleton State fielded a beach volleyball program for the first time in school history. Twenty-four months later, the Texans hit a pair of significant milestones: the first recruiting class specifically for beach volleyball and the first home wins for second-year Head Beach Volleyball Coach Dayna Masters.

Beach volleyball was a large part of Masters’ life from an early age.

Growing up, she and her family played every Sunday on a sand court in the middle of their orchard. Those afternoon volleys are what made her fall in love with the sport.

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Not confined to the sand, Masters was a multisport athlete from her days in the orchard to the collegiate ranks, playing court volleyball as well as softball, down the road at Cisco College. Subsequently her path into coaching at the college level was a little different than most.

She worked 22 years as a physical therapist assistant while coaching on the side and running Sky High Volleyball Club in Stephenville, but eventually everything fell into place for Masters, whose passion for beach volleyball goes beyond the final score.

“I didn’t plan for this to happen the way it did,” she said. “I have always had a strong desire to be a collegiate coach, but the timing was unexpected, and I am so grateful for that.

God’s plan is way better than mine.

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“Building a program from scratch means everyone has a hand in shaping it,” continued Masters. “The foundation being laid now will provide a base to build on as the program progresses throughout the years and continues to hit major milestones along the way.

Moments are beginning to stand out, such as our first

home win and my first win as head coach.”

The Purple and White are making plenty of noise on home sand early on, securing their first home match wins in history.

“Being able to play at home is great motivation for us,” said senior Allison Bryant. “Having my family in attendance is super exciting, and I’m excited Spring/Summer 2026

Sophomore Sofia Bendele leans into a pass as the Texans continue to build momentum in their third season of competition.

that I get to play with them along with friends and the community behind us.”

In year three of the program, the Texans have added some key pieces to the roster helping the team steadily build its win total.

“I picked Tarleton State because of the opportunity to be part of something new and growing, with the program only being three years old,” said redshirt sophomore Emily Vickers.

“Being part of building the program from the ground up is really exciting and meaningful to me because we get to set the standard for the future.”

“I wanted to be part of a university who is proud of who they are, and Tarleton State is definitely the place to be for that,” said sophomore Sofia Bendele. “The people and community here are awesome and everyone Spring/Summer 2026

really takes pride in being a Texan.”

Culture is a huge factor when student-athletes are choosing the program they want to represent.

“Culture before competition is big for us,” said Masters. “Our studentathletes have quickly learned that ownership isn’t just optional but essential to our success. I am proud to

be here and proud to be a Texan and part of what we are building.”

“Not everyone gets this opportunity to be part of building a foundation.” said Bendele. “We are setting a standard building the culture and creating something that will last long after we’re gone. For me, my role on this team is that it’s bigger

than just getting wins — it’s about leaving a legacy and putting Tarleton State Beach Volleyball on the map.”

The court may be sandy, but the program’s foundation is solidly rooted for future Texans.

Masters emphasized, “The sand will always shift beneath our feet, but that’s the nature of the sport.”

Members of the 2025-2026 Tarleton State beach volleyball team pose on home sand, representing a young program building its identity from the ground up.

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DR. LEW HUNNICUTT, ’86 BS ANIMAL SCIENCE, was

CLASS NOTES

BY DECADE Each of us 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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named president of Nash Community College in Rocky Mount, N.C. He previously served as assistant provost and campus director at the University of Georgia’s Griffin Campus.

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DON GRISHAM, ’90 BA HISTORY, has released his

novel, “By the Swing’s Gentle Sway,” set in Robinson, Texas, in 1969. The story follows a group of childhood friends navigating growing up, friendship and adulthood.

KARA CHASTEEN, ’92 BS AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS, has been

appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to the Texas Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome Advisory Council, which advises state leaders on related research, diagnosis, treatment and education.

RUSTY BRANCH, ’93 BS EARTH SCIENCE, was

named to the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists by Gov. Greg Abbott. Branch is the vice president and senior geoscientist at Gehrig Inc., a geophysical services firm in Muenster.

DR. SUSAN BALLABINA, ’94 BS FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES, has been named the President of Texas A&M

University. She previously served as executive vice chancellor of The Texas A&M System, overseeing systemwide operations and strategic initiatives.

RONNY CRUMPTON, ’94 BS EXERCISE AND SPORTS STUDIES, has been inducted

into the Texas Six Man Coaches Hall of Fame. He served as an educator and coach for 28 years at Milford, Mullin and Rising Star before retiring in 2021.

TRAVIS BRAZIL, ’95 BA CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION, has been

named police chief for the city of Lufkin. Brazil brings more than 34 years of law enforcement experience, including service as a Texas Ranger major overseeing the Special Operations Group in Austin. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and a recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Training Trilogy Award.

KENDALL MILLER, ’99 BS MATHEMATICS, has been

named athletics director for Plano ISD. Miller most recently served at Emerson High School in Frisco ISD and previously was head football coach at Lakeview Centennial High School in Garland. He serves on the Texas High School Coaches Association board as past president.

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DEVON DORRIS, ’00 BA HISTORY AND ’04 MEd EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION, has been

named Wichita Falls ISD athletic

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director. Dorris spent 23 seasons at Azle, including 16 as head coach, becoming the program’s winningest coach and leading a record 11-win season in 2014.

CHRIS EVATT, ’03 BBA ACCOUNTING AND ’04 MBA, has been promoted to

senior banking executive at First Financial Bank. Evatt, who joined the bank in 2001, most recently served as CEO of its West Texas region.

JANE BOYD, ’06 MEd EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP, serves as co-

founder and director of the Smiles and Hearts Foundation, supporting education and women’s empowerment initiatives in rural South Africa.

DR. AMANDA HOLMAN, ’06 BS IN AGRICULTURE SERVICES AND ’09 MS AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION, has joined

Credit Human Federal Credit Union in San Antonio as enterprise learning and development program lead following a 20-year career in public education. She previously served as director of college, career and military readiness in a San Antonio school district.

LYNDSEY PEDERSON, ’09 MEd EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION, has been named chief of staff at Hill College. Pederson previously served as an instructional facilitator at Hillsboro High School and as principal at Bynum ISD.

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TESSA REYNOLDS, ’10 BFA,

has been named director of marketing for Korbel California Champagne. Reynolds previously worked for PerrierJouët as global marketing manager, global senior brand manager, global influence manager and global digital manager.

JESSICA RAKOWITZ, ’10 BS AGRICULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS, has been named Executive Coordinator for the Poteet Strawberry Festival Association. A Poteet native, she has worked the last decade as a wedding photographer following 10 years with Wilco Peanut Co.

JOSH MARTIN, ’11 BS EXERCISE AND SPORTS STUDIES, has been named

head football coach at Liberty Christian School. Martin has more than 15 years of experience, including coaching roles at Nebraska, Texas Tech, Tarleton State, Arizona State, SMU and Little Elm High School.

JESSICA RAMIREZ, ’12 BBA,

has been appointed to the Texas Real Estate Research Center Advisory Committee by Gov. Greg Abbott. Ramirez is a Realtor and community leader in San Antonio.

LARRY ADAMS, ’12 BS CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND ’15 MS CRIMINAL JUSTICE, has been promoted to chief of police in Robinson, Texas.

Adams previously served as assistant chief and spent 25

years with the Woodway Public Safety Department.

ISAAC DIAZ, ’13 BS ANIMAL INDUSTRIES, was inducted

into the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame. Diaz, a national champion saddle bronc rider and Tarleton State Rodeo Hall of Fame member, is a seven-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier.

COLTON BUCKLEY, ’16 BS AGRICULTURAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT, has been named chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Washington, D.C. Buckley previously served as CEO of the National Association of Resource and Development Councils.

DYLAN DAWSON, ’18 MS SPORTS MEDICINE,

was named head athletic trainer and senior woman administrator at Sul Ross State University. She previously served as head athletic trainer at Weatherford High School.

SAMUEL BROWN, ’18 MS INFORMATION SYSTEMS,

has been reappointed to the Texas Board of Respiratory Care by Gov. Greg Abbott.

Brown is an assistant IT manager and network administrator with Louis A. Williams & Associates.

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CADE OSBOURN, ’21 BS AGRIBUSINESS, has been

hired as an associate attorney

with Dallas-based Cantey Hanger. A Texas Tech University School of Law graduate, he previously served as a legal clerk with Gaston Strain LLP in Waco.

SAVANNAH BUSHKUHL, ’21 BS AGRICULTURAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT, has been

named agriculture and natural resources agent for Hays County with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. She previously served in the same role with Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Program.

THOMAS HOVER, ’21 MS CRIMINAL JUSTICE, was

selected as chief of police in Amarillo. He brings more than 25 years of experience, including service as assistant chief with the Irving Police Department.

BOWEN TOLLE, ’24 BS AGRIBUSINESS, has

accepted a sales position with BioZyme Inc. Tolle most recently worked in agriculture and equipment sales and will focus on growing the small ruminant market in his region.

DALTON YORK, ’24 BS CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, has been named AgriLife Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources in Pecos County. York has eight years of experience working with livestock producers and show families.

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Silver Taps Ceremony

The Silver Taps ceremony honors Tarleton State faculty, staff, students, alumni and supportive friends who passed away during the previous year.

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Ira Adams

Lydia Barron

Ruth Buzzi

Cory Crump

Donna Eubanks

Mike Alley

Dick Bates

Nikki Byrd

Wayne Curd

Marcy Everette

Carlos Amaya

Ben Baty

Ernesto Calderon

Gavin Curlee

Dezra Fain

Dr. Judy Anderson

Linda Beasley

Molly Carlson

Les Daniell

Mike Fields

Theresa Anderson

Tommy Beauchamp

Billy Carden

Mark Davis

Kenny Floyd

Donna Anglin

Misty Becker

Allen Chandler

Patsy Davis

James Ford

Kay Arendt

Joan Bellah

Sonja Chastain

Jewell Dean

Brenda Frantz

David Atkins

John Bezner

Mary Clark

Dr. Clint Dennard

Jim Fraser

Charlie Aumua

Hugo Block

Jack Clay

Aralyn Douglas

Carol Fuller

Dottie Austin

Megan Bohlen

JD Clements

Dr. Steve Duncan

Nancy Gallian

Dr. Bruce Baird

Dr. Ronald Bradberry

Bonnie Collins

Kelly Dupnick

Kimberly Gardner

Mary Baker

Chuck Bradley

Dr. Joan Compton

Harold Eades

David Garms

Kenneth Bales

David Bragg

Lyndal Cook

Bob Earles

Debbie Gee

Cecilia Ballenger

Sharon Brown

George Cowden

Doug Eberhart

Greg Gerngross

Paul Bandy

Tim Brown

Jean Craft

Alexandria Efferson

Beverly Gifford

John Barham

Ron Bulman

Curtis Creach

Melvin Eilers

Butch Gilbreath

Frank Barnes

Melissa Burke

Bill Cromeans

Charlie Elich

Mary Golden

John Barree

Russell Burwell

Charles Cross

Keith Elrod

Colin Gordon

TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

Spring/Summer 2026

Leah Graber

Terry Lewis

Suzanne Onstott

Tommy Sansom

Ruth Tynes

Dr. Charles Graham

Wade Lewis

Dr. Ruby Nell Orman

Colt Scott

Pete Urbani

David Griffin

Dr. Diana Littlejohn

Dwight Painter

Jim Scott

Josh Valentine

Fred Grimes

Bobby Logan

Brent Parker

Sharon Scott

Cindy Vargas-Tate

Billie Grisham

Tom Loutherback

Clinton Parker

Clif Sikes

Keith Walker

Rodney Gromatzky

Howard Lovelady

Marvin Parker

John Skidmore

Vernon Walker

Ricky Hail

Pat Lovell

Connie Parks

Larry Smart

Wade Walker

Crawford Hall

Tommy Mackey

Mark Pate

Dr. Jackie Smith

Kathryn Warren

Danny Ham

Randy Marr

Larry Patton

James Smith

John Watkins

Melissa Hann

Janet Martin

Teeny Pearce

Johnie Smith

Kayla Watkins

Mitchell Harris

Dr. Liz Matteson

Ray Pippin

Willie Sneed

Johnny Weaver

Kelli Hass

Dr. John McAlister

Craig Price

James Stanfield

Carol Webb

Rev. LaVelle Haynes

Harold McClain

E.B. Price

Ed Stasney

Tommy Webb

Jim Herrington

Ray McClure

Dr. Shane Prochnow

Andi Steer

Sherry Weber

Dirk Hibler

Danell McCormack

Vaudene Pruitt

Alroy Stegemoller

Lee White

John Hodges

Heather McCoy

Bernard Pustejovsky

Donna Stokes

Diane Whitmire

Charlotte Hoffman

Than McCracken

John Quinby

Ray Stone

Dr. Morris Wilkins

Doc Holladay

Ela Ruth McCullough

Keith Ramsey

Mike Storey

Bruce Williams

Wayne Hollebeke

Norma McDaniel

Randy Rape

Jimmy Storms

Robert Williams

Charles Holley

Don McFarland

Sally Ratliff

Rod Tate

Clay Williamson

Terry Hood

Barbara McKnight

Annie Rhodes

Kelly Tatsch

Ethan Wolfe

Eddie Howard

Earl McNiel

Rusty Rials

Brent Taylor

Franklin Wood

Jack Huie

Linda McQueary

Rhonda Rice

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robert Taylor

Greg Wright

Stanley Hunt

Brad Meadows

Larry Richardson

Cole Thompson

Amparo Wylie

Jimmy Jackson

Terry Melton

Dean Roberson

Joe Thompson

Jeannie Wyly

Peter Jacoby

Jarred Miller

Billie Roddie

Tina Till

Jackson Jeffus

Kasi Miller

Ina Lee Roden-Brown

Dr. Nancy Timmons

Terry Jennings

Dan Montgomery

Don Ross

Faye Tindall

Dr. Lamar Johanson

Buddy Moore

Jonathan Runyon

Virgil Tindall

Terry Johnson

Cynthia Moore

Marilyn Russell

Tucker Tippin

Bob Jones

Sharon Moore

Skip Rutledge

Kris Torres

Kimberly Jones

John Moss

Juan Salgado

Amber Tribble

Amberly Kamp

Doc Murphree

Dr. Bob Kenny

Joan Myers-Anderson

Bob Landon

Mildred Nance

Dianna Lee

Kathy Nomura

Michael Lewis

B.B. Nunley

Shanna Lewis

Vance Oney

Spring/Summer 2026

You are the sons and daughters of Tarleton.

Your flame has burned long and well with those of this great brotherhood and sisterhood.

Tonight, we remember and lay your flame to rest.

TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

57

TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY BOX T-0730 STEPHENVILLE, TX 76402

TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY DÉJÀ VIEW

2026 1951 Opened in 1951, the Agriculture Building features a Hereford steer above the steps at the front entrance.

In 1998 it was named the Joe W. Autry Agriculture Building. It remains in the heart of Tarleton State’s Stephenville campus, 75 years later.

CREATE A

Lasting donate.tarleton.edu

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