Vision Fort Worth Master Plan

Rooted in tradition.

INTRODUCING

A bold vision for the future of Fort Worth education.

Signature Tarleton State Gates rendering from the Tarleton State Fort Worth Master Plan, envisioning a welcoming front door to the campus main entrance.

Since 1978, Tarleton State University has been part of the fabric of Fort Worth, preparing leaders, serving families, and contributing to the city’s growth.

Today, we’re excited to share with you our vision for an expanded, modern campus that is shaped by tradition and strengthened by The Texas A&M University System.

“Tarleton State University offers exceptional teaching, learning, and research, continuing our nearly 50-year commitment to investing in Fort Worth. We are grateful

We believe education should be both personal and powerful, serving students as well as our region. By providing affordable, accessible education close to home, we are opening the door for first-generation and locally based students to achieve workforce readiness and fuel economic mobility.

for the unwavering support of our legislators, the Board of Regents, Chancellor Hegar,

We have the vision.

Mayor Parker, and the City of Fort Worth.”

Dr. James Hurley 16th President,

And we cannot wait for you to see it come to life.

Tarleton State University TARLETON STATE FORT WORTH

OUR HISTORY

CELEBRATING NEARLY 50 YEARS IN FORT WORTH

Tarleton State University has always felt right at home in Fort Worth. We share the same values, can-do spirit, and tenacity to build what’s next without ever forgetting our roots.

As our 80-acre campus off Chisholm Trail Parkway takes shape, those roots—and our commitment to students in North Texas—are growing even deeper.

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The Hickman Building

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35W

FORT WORTH Texas A&M–Fort Worth 30

R.C. Schaffer Education Building 20

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Tarleton State Fort Worth

35W

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Tarleton State Main Campus

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STEPHENVILLE

AUTHENTICALLY TARLETON STATE. UNIQUELY COWTOWN.

1978 – Tarleton State University establishes its Fort Worth presence with Dr. Lamar Johanson’s medical laboratory science program, which expanded and relocated to the Richard C. Schaffer Building in the 1990s

2006 – T he move to the Hickman Building marks a turning point; student numbers grew significantly to over 1,700 by 2015

2014 – W alton Global donates 80 acres in Fort Worth, paving the way for a permanent campus in the city

2019 – T he Campus Administration Building opens, the first of many slated in the master plan, approved in 2017

2024 – The Interprofessional Education Building opens in the fall to welcome the inaugural cohort of first- and second-year students “Tarleton State University’s expansion into Fort Worth

2026 – T he updated Tarleton State Fort Worth Master Plan is released and

directly addresses our city’s

classes at Texas A&M-Fort Worth begin with programs including

need to continue the growth

medical lab sciences, histotechnology, and biotechnology

of the highly skilled, localized talent pipeline that is driving our business growth by aligning program offerings

2028 – T arleton State will celebrate 50 years in Fort Worth and the new Tarleton State Parkway exit is expected to open off Chisholm Trail Parkway, improving access and visibility

with the demands of our business and industry sectors.”

Jay Chapa City Manager, City of Fort Worth

TARLETON STATE FORT WORTH

OUR GROW TH

A SMALL START, A BIG FUTURE Tarleton State University’s presence in Fort Worth has come a long way since 1978. What began with eight students enrolled in Dr. Lamar Johanson’s medical laboratory science program has since grown to nearly 2,700 students studying over 60 academic programs, with more on the way.

Through strong partnerships with area community colleges, school districts, healthcare providers, and businesses, Tarleton State Fort Worth is making high-quality, career-oriented education more accessible, affordable, and flexible for students across North Texas. We are proud to carry forward the best of our legacy while forging an identity that’s distinctly Fort Worth.

Tarleton State Fort Worth Central Administration Building opened in 2019, honoring presence and partnership with southwest Fort Worth.

“Tarleton State is pivotal in addressing Fort Worth’s education needs by ensuring we have the skilled professionals to meet the workforce demands of the 11th largest city in the nation.

This investment will not only transform the lives of students but will have a lasting, positive impact on our community for generations to come.”

Mattie Parker Mayor, City of Fort Worth

ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS Tarleton State Fort Worth enrollment is trending upward. The overall enrollment increased from 1,500 in 2014 to approximately 2,600 within a decade. In 2024, first-year and second-year students were admitted, expanding access in Fort Worth to all four years at the undergraduate level.

Anticipated capacity is based on the size of the campus and building footprints as described in the master plan, reaching more than 10,000 students to include face-to-face, hybrid, and online. The visual below illustrates projections through fall 2044.

TARLETON STATE FORT WORTH

CHISHOLM TRAIL CAMPUS

A MODERN CAMPUS SHAPED BY TRADITION What began as a vision is becoming a landmark. The Tarleton State Fort Worth campus along Chisholm Trail Parkway is being thoughtfully designed to be more than a place to earn a degree—it is designed to be a destination where students live, connect, and thrive. Drawing on the traditions that have defined Tarleton State for more than a century, the 2026 master plan brings together bold architecture, green spaces, and community-centered design to create a campus that is distinctly and proudly Fort Worth while serving Crowley and the surrounding community.

ENHANCED MASTER PLAN HIGHLIGHTS •

Intentional design will create a true “campus town” feel

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Five distinct zones include academic buildings, student

“We are driven by a deep

housing, recreation spaces, and subsequent developments

commitment to connection,

Ample green spaces and future expansions include

community, and people. Our

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greenways, campus quads, and rooftop terraces creating additional event space

world-class facilities empower us to expand opportunities for

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Connection to Chisholm Trail Parkway will improve access and campus visibility

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our students while reinforcing our dedication to advancing

Partnership with Trinity Metro will provide greater mobility for students, faculty, and staff

interprofessional education.

Tarleton State Fort Worth

A RESIDENTIAL CAMPUS COMMUNITY Plans to incorporate a residential community at Tarleton State Fort Worth are underway, creating a place where students have an immersive, holistic college experience that is both affordable and accessible. We are actively exploring opportunities to provide on-campus housing in future phases, and are also working with a trusted partner, College Pads, to assist students searching for nearby off-campus housing options.

is helping shape the future of our city and redefining what’s possible.”

Dr. Rachael Capua Vice President of External Operations & Dean, Tarleton State Fort Worth

Illustrative aerial rendering of the Tarleton State Fort Worth Master Plan, highlighting the long-term vision for growth, connectivity, and student-centered development.

TARLETON STATE FORT WORTH

Rendering of the proposed student amphitheater from the Tarleton State Fort Worth Master Plan, imagined as a vibrant outdoor gathering space for learning, connection, and campus life.

“It has been an honor to represent Tarleton State’s Fort Worth campus for over a decade. The strong partnership between Fort Worth and Tarleton State has driven economic growth and expanded educational opportunities for all in Tarrant and our surrounding counties.

As this partnership grows and the campus expands, it will continue to have a positive impact on our region for generations to come.”

Craig Goldman U.S. Representative, Texas District 12

ROOTED AND RISING

EXPANDIN G ACCESS

OPENING NEW PATHS TO PROGRESS Breaking ground in 2026 and opening in 2028, a newly built overpass off Chisholm Trail Parkway will create direct access to Tarleton State Fort Worth while adding visibility for commuters traveling to downtown Fort Worth and surrounding communities.

NEW ACCESS POINT

THE FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL VOTED IN 2025 TO RENAME THE OVERPASS FROM WORTH CREEK PARKWAY TO TARLETON STATE PARKWAY. DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH

JOHN TARLETON WAY Long-range aerial rendering of the Tarleton State Fort Worth Master Plan demonstrating phased development, campus connectivity, and future growth potential.

“Tarleton State’s dynamic growth is making a great impact on our region and Trinity Metro is happy to

SOUTHWEST FORT WORTH GROWTH

be a strategic partner in

The southwest Fort Worth region is booming, both in terms of

making its campus even more

population and economic growth, with sustained year-overyear increases in population, employment, and household income. Fort Worth’s population recently surged past 1 million, making it one of the fastest-growing major U.S. cities. This growth underscores the increased demand for accessible higher education and workforce development opportunities that Tarleton State Fort Worth aims to provide.

accessible for students. We are committed to finding innovative solutions for both on-campus mobility and regional access.”

Rich Andreski President / CEO, Trinity Metro

CHISHOLM TRAIL PKWY

TEXAS A&M-FORT WORTH PRESENCE

PARTNERS IN RESEARCH AND INNOVATION As a founding member of The Texas A&M University System, we are thrilled to announce that, beginning in the fall 2026 semester, Tarleton State will occupy portions of the 6th, 7th, and 8th floors of the new Texas A&M-Fort Worth Law & Education Building in downtown Fort Worth.

This space will allow us to offer an exciting array of academic programs, including upper-level coursework and completion programs focused on health sciences. Our goal, as always, is to provide a comprehensive (and accessible) education that’s both rigorous and relevant.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Rendering of the Texas A&M-Fort Worth Law & Education Building, which will open in fall 2026 and serve as Tarleton State’s downtown Fort Worth academic home for highdemand health science and workforce-aligned programs.

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Associate of Science, Histotechnology

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Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Medical Laboratory Sciences

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Master of Science, Medical Laboratory Sciences (Molecular Diagnostics Track)

EXTENDED EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM The Tarleton State Office of Extended Education & Workforce Development will be based at Texas A&M-Fort Worth, connecting learners with flexible, careeraligned programs designed to meet the region’s evolving workforce needs.

DRIVING OPPORTUNITY. PARTNERING IN PROGRESS.

“Tarleton State University’s participation reinforces Texas A&M-Fort Worth’s systemwide innovation

EMPHASIS ON RESEARCH

model. By bringing Tarleton

Tarleton State’s Biotechnology Research and Innovation Institute

State’s strengths in research,

is a multidisciplinary ecosystem that fosters collaboration across urban, rural, and regional sectors. Our aim is to accelerate

workforce-aligned programs

scientific research, innovation, and commercialization that will

and cross-institutional

spur economic development in our region.

collaboration, this partnership will help translate discovery into solutions and expand impact for North Texas and the state.”

Dr. Kim McCuisition Associate Vice Chancellor, The Texas A&M System & Director, Texas A&M-Fort Worth

Conceptual rendering of the future Research & Innovation Building A, designed to support applied research, industry partnerships, and regional innovation.

POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS

GROWING TOGETHER IN NORTH TEXAS Higher education means so much more than books and tests and diplomas. We believe it is about shaping the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who will continue to bring positive change to North Texas, and beyond.

We take seriously our responsibility to transform lives, build partnerships, and grow together, so Tarleton State Fort Worth remains committed to four main pillars: expanding access, removing barriers, supporting community and looking ahead.

EXPANDING ACCESS

REMOVING BARRIERS

SUPPORTING COMMUNITY

LOOKING AHEAD

CROWLEY ISD

PURPLE PANTRY

AREA SCHOOLS

TRANSPORTATION

Tarleton Today is a dual credit program that is helping more than 300 Crowley and North Crowley high school students earn university credit on the Tarleton State Fort Worth campus before they graduate.

This allows them to experience college life and accelerate their college preparation before they complete their high school degree. Currently, the program offers courses including English composition, literature, education, and U.S. history. Tarleton State already works with approximately 420 high schools statewide through our Distinguished High School Partners outreach. Launched in 2020, this program guarantees admission and provides annual scholarships to qualifying seniors, helping to remove barriers to access for hundreds of Texas students.

We believe nothing should hold students back from getting the education they need to thrive.

That is why we partnered with MW Cares Foundation to open The Purple Pantry, a cuttingedge food pantry designed to provide students facing food insecurity with essential resources. This self-service, grocery store-style pantry features privacy glass and an automated entry system so students can simply scan their ID, enter discreetly, and select what they need without restrictions or supervision.

Tarleton State is committed to teacher preparation and working with partners to expand educator pipelines.

The new Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Collaborative will include Alvarado, Cleburne, Everman, and Fort Worth ISDs; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County and Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas; Region 11 Education Service Center; Tarrant County College and Hill College.

Tarleton State is working closely with Trinity Metro and its leadership team to improve transportation access to Tarleton State Fort Worth by exploring bus, bike, and TEXRail. By strategizing together, we will remove barriers to education for commuter students across the region.

RISING TO MEET WHAT’S AHEAD.

W H AT L E A D E R S A R E S AY I N G

“Tarleton State’s presence in Fort Worth is a

“Public-private partnerships are the foundation

tremendous asset to our district and our city. The

of Tarleton State’s success in Fort Worth, from its

Fort Worth Campus Master Plan demonstrates

first facility to a new campus along the Chisholm

a forward-looking commitment to educational

Trail Parkway and its growing presence downtown.

excellence, workforce readiness, and responsible

These collaborations reflect leadership that

growth. By investing in students and innovation,

understands how deeply partnership-driven

we are building a stronger Fort Worth for families,

growth strengthens our community.”

employers, and future generations.”

John McQueeney Representative, Texas House District 97

Mike Moncrief Tarleton State Alumnus & Former Mayor, City of Fort Worth

“Tarleton State has always been rooted in “Tarleton State Fort Worth is helping build the

community, and that hasn’t changed as it’s grown.

talent pipeline our region needs, connecting

The Fort Worth campus opens doors for more

students to high-demand careers and strengthening

students, and communities like Weatherford see the

the workforce that drives North Texas forward.”

impact every day through Tarleton State graduates who give back and help move our region forward.”

Phil King State Senator, Texas District 10

Paul Paschall Tarleton State Alumnus & Mayor, City of Weatherford

“Tarleton State Fort Worth is a vital anchor for

“Through T3’s partnership with Tarleton State,

District 6, opening doors to education, workforce

students experience clearer pathways, stronger

development, and economic opportunity for our

persistence, and measurable progress. Together,

residents. Its continued growth represents a lasting

we simplify transitions from high school to college

investment in both our community and the future

that support students with applying, attending, and

leaders who will call this district home.”

graduating from Tarleton State.”

Dr. Mia Hall District 6 Councilwoman, City of Fort Worth

Dr. David Saenz Interim President & CEO, T3 Partnership

W H AT L E A D E R S A R E S AY I N G

“Tarleton State’s investment in Fort Worth

“Tarleton State’s presence in Fort Worth

strengthens business, industry, and the broader

connects education, industry, and community.

region by growing the skilled talent pipeline

It opens doors for students, strengthens talent

that local employers depend on to innovate and

pipelines for employers, and drives economic

compete. Our partnership expands access and

vitality, creating a future where opportunity

opportunity for our members by connecting them

and prosperity go hand in hand.”

to a diverse, well-prepared workforce that supports business growth and long-term success.”

Steve Montgomery President / CEO, Fort Worth Chamber

Robert Sturns Executive Director, Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County

“As a local business, we count on area universities “Tarleton State says ‘Yes’ to what is best for students. This mindset sets them apart as a driving force for our region’s economic impact, access, and opportunity.”

Dr. Elizabeth Brands President & CEO, Morris Foundation

to do two things: (1) graduate high-caliber students with real-world applicable skills, and (2) to have the big-think time to tackle large-scale problems that impact the entire community.

Tarleton State excels in both areas.”

Brendan Harrington President, Autobahn Fort Worth

“Beginning in the 1970s, our partnership with “Crowley ISD students are accessing college-level

Tarleton State has brought hundreds of students

learning right in their own community through

to work at the Stock Show through our internship

our dual credit partnership with Tarleton State

program. Our bonds have only strengthened since

Fort Worth. This pathway from high school to

the opening of the Fort Worth Campus, as scholarship

higher education equips Crowley ISD students

contributions to Tarleton State Texans have increased

to thrive with future-ready skills.”

40 percent since that time.”

Dr. Michael McFarland Superintendent of Schools, Crowley ISD

Matt Carter President & GM, Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

TARLETON STATE FORT WORTH IS MORE THAN A UNIVERSITY. It’s a driver of opportunity, a partner in progress, and a proud part of our community for almost half a century.

Rooted in tradition and rising with ambition to meet what’s ahead, we are thrilled to continue transforming lives and strengthening this city and community we call home.

Rendering of the signature Tarleton State Gates from the Tarleton State Fort Worth Master Plan, reflecting commitment to access, connectivity, and Texan pride.

TARLETON.EDU/VISIONFORTWORTH