Stories of impact powered by your generosity.
Paul Paschall’s journey from Tarleton State student to mayor and community leader.
Cory and Joanna Shaw, staff, donors and champions of giving at Tarleton State.
George Yefymenko and Sophie Gambill excel at Tarleton State through scholarships and leadership.
Updated membership benefits reward annual donors and expand impact.
It is a new year and that means new and improved Texan Excellence Fund (TEF) benefits! When you make an annual cash gift to Tarleton State through TEF, you become part of a society of dedicated stakeholders invested in our student-centered mission.
All annual gifts to Tarleton State starting at $100.00 / $8.50 per month or more count towards your TEF membership status.
True to its tagline, “One Fund, Many Ways to Give,” TEF is Tarleton State’s window to impact all areas of campus.
You do not give to the Texan Excellence Fund, you give through the Texan Excellence Fund to advance the opportunities you are most passionate about, including the Tarleton State Alumni Association!
In this spirit, we ask you to please consider making a 2026 cash gift and renewing your TEF membership. When you do, you will activate your new, exciting 2026 TEF benefits while making a life-changing difference for our exceptional students.
Paul Paschall rose from first-gen business student to entrepreneur and mayor, grounded in Tarleton State leadership.
When Paul Paschall arrived on campus at Tarleton State University, he had no idea where life would take him. He did not know he would one day own a successful business, serve as Mayor of Weatherford, or build a life centered on faith, family and community alongside his wife, Courtney. What he knew right away, though, was that Tarleton State felt like home.
Paschall was the first in his family to graduate from college. Tarleton State did more than accept him — it taught him how to work hard, how to lead and how to believe in himself. “Tarleton State gave me confidence
before I even knew I needed it,” Paschall said. “It challenged me to think bigger about what I could accomplish and who I could serve.”
Today, Paschall serves as the owner of Paschall Insurance Group, having spent nearly three decades in the insurance industry. His career took shape after a conversation in graduate school with a mentor who encouraged him to meet professionals in the insurance field before accepting another opportunity. That single conversation changed his path. What began as a simple introduction turned into a career that has provided for his family and given him a meaningful way to give back.
The success of his business created the flexibility to invest time and energy where it mattered most. For Paul and Courtney, serving their community has always been a priority. He spent nine years on the Weatherford ISD Board of Trustees, then stepped away briefly to focus on family life. He later returned to public service through serving on a city board and participating in a year-long civic leadership program that offers residents an inside look at how their local government works. After completing the program, he was encouraged by the former mayor to run for office. He is now serving his third and final term as Mayor of Weatherford.
Five years ago, being mayor led to an experience Paschall never expected. He was invited to attend a Marine Corps boot camp for educators and leaders, where he
watched cadets complete the Crucible, the brutal final test of basic training. Watching those young recruits refuse to quit shifted his perspective. He realized he wasn't halfway done — he was just getting started.
That renewed energy extends directly to his alma mater. Paul and Courtney joined Team Tarleton® , and he now serves on the Dr. Sam Pack College of Business Certified Financial Planner Board. For the Paschalls, helping students isn't charity — it's an investment in the future. “We don’t see it as giving something away,” he said. “We see it as helping someone take the next step. Tarleton State gave me a hand up, and we want to do the same for others.”
Whether he is working with clients, leading City Council meetings or mentoring students, Paschall still carries the lessons he learned as a Tarleton State student. His story is proof that when a university believes in someone, that belief does not just change one person. It strengthens families, shapes leaders and leaves a lasting impact on entire communities.
Senior accounting major turns opportunity into impact.
By Abigail Middleton Student Worker, Development Communications and Content Creation
When George Yefymenko moved to the United States from the Ukraine at 15, he didn’t know the impact he would have on Tarleton State University, nor the impact it would have on him.
Since arriving at Tarleton State, Yefymenko, a senior accounting major minoring in economics, has maintained a 4.0 GPA, earned the Junior of the Year Award, and built meaningful connections.
Tarleton State has supported him throughout with full academic funding and dedicated mentorship.
Along with getting several grants, Yefymenko is a recipient of the Tarleton Pride Scholarship, the Patty Smith Memorial Scholarship and the Russell Moore Endowment Scholarship. It is because of these scholarships that Yefymenko was able to dedicate so much time to academics and extracurriculars. They alleviated the financial pressure of college, and he never had to worry about not being able to pay for something tomorrow.
Yefymenko has always been extremely grateful for what Tarleton State has given him. He has shown his gratitude by devoting so much of his time to supporting the campus community. For a year, he served as president of the Accounting Society. While serving in that position, Yefymenko and his fellow officers were able to raise enough funds to travel to California and showcase Tarleton State to universities all over. Because of this, Yefymenko was able to help some Accounting Society members secure internship opportunities.
Currently, Yefymenko is serving as president of the Dr. Sam Pack College of Business Student Advisory Board. With this position, Yefymenko has been able to help grow the connection between faculty and students in the Dr. Sam Pack College of Business.
Because of the internships that Yefymenko completed while at Tarleton State, he will graduate in May of 2026 with job offers from multiple Fortune companies.
“The scholarships gave me access to be involved with college, which helped me build my resume, which ended up helping me secure my internships, and now I have a full-time offer after I graduate.”
–
GEORGE YEFYMENKO '
26
Senior, Accounting
Know a student whose success reflects the generosity of our donors? Or a faculty or staff member who gives graciously? Send nominations to Raiford Ramirez, Director of Development Communications and Content Creation, at rramirez1@tarleton.edu.
“We think people can give at any level as long as they’re passionate about what they are gifting to.”
- Joanna Shaw '02, '04
“When you see a grandma come in excited about her grandchild graduating and it’s the first person in the family to graduate college, the excitement you see from that, it’s impossible for that to not impact you.”
- Cory Shaw '02, '07
Cory and Joanna Shaw turned their love for Tarleton State into a lifelong commitment — serving, giving and modeling generosity for their daughters and their students.
By Abigail Middleton Student Worker, Development Communications and Content Creation
Cory and Joanna Shaw are two true Tarleton State University Texans. From students to staff and alumni to donors, they are spreading the spirit of giving all around campus.
Both Cory and Joanna started off at Tarleton State as second-generation Tarleton State students. The two loved the university. It was small enough that forming relationships with professors and students was easy, and they enjoyed the family-like atmosphere.
Joanna earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations with a Masters in Human Resource Management, and Cory earned his Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Management and a Master’s of Science in Information Systems. Degrees they both ended up using back at Tarleton State, as employees.
Today, Joanna works in the Dr. Sam Pack College of Business and is an associate professor, and Cory is the Chief Information Security Officer for Tarleton State. Everyday, they each get to interact with students on campus which led them to become donors.
Generosity has always been a goal in their marriage. When the university president paid for their dinner as students, it left a lasting impression. Now, they're committed to creating that same impact for other students.
They started by donating to the Sue Carlson Memorial Scholarship, named for Cory’s aunt, who passed away from cancer. Today, they are members of the president’s circle, the Texan Club and make donations anywhere there is a need. They have hosted many dinners for students in their home and have allowed their daughters to watch the impact their giving makes.
What the Shaw’s want others to know is that giving doesn’t have to be financial. It could be as simple as volunteering your time, but they encourage everyone to give what they can, where they can.
Scholarships and community at Tarleton State empowered Sophie Gambill to thrive in the classroom, lead Women in Business and graduate debt-free.
By Abigail Middleton Student Worker, Development Communications and Content Creation
When it came time for junior marketing major Sophie Gambill to start college, she was ready. Ready to find the right environment, the right community and the right support. It just happened that Tarleton State University was offering all that and more. But before coming to Tarleton State, Gambill was nervous. She didn't know what came next or how she'd pay for it. Fortunately, Tarleton State had a solution.
On top of receiving several federal grants, Gambill is a recipient of the College of Business Administration Scholarship and the President’s Guaranteed Scholarship. She is also a member of the Tarleton Promise Program–a grant that pays the remainder of her tuition after her other scholarships. Thanks to these scholarships and grants, every aspect of Gambill’s college has been covered.
In her time at Tarleton State, Gambill has grown into an amazing young woman. She has thrived academically and in college life. Currently, she is the president of Women in Business. An organization she co-founded. She has found a strong church community and has learned to lean on those around her. She knows if she ever needs help, she can go to her fellow Women in Business officers, her church or her professors.
To Gambill, everything about college has been one big blessing. Her scholarships saved her from thousands of dollars of debt with no cosigner, and it no longer feels like it is just her against the world.
When Gambill graduates, she will move out of state and go into corporate marketing. She is hoping for either the PR or financial field.
“They impacted me greatly. Allowed me to live on campus and not have to worry about housing during the school year, my meal plan, and just allowed me to go to college in total.”
SOPHIE GAMBILL '27 Junior, Marketing
Tarleton State’s Career Clothing Fund removes financial barriers so students can show up prepared and professionally dressed.
By Abigail Middleton Student Worker, Development Communications and Content Creation
Tarleton State University knows that part of feeling confident when going in for an interview is being professionally dressed. Students want an outfit they feel confident in, but sometimes it can be difficult for a college student to afford one. This is where the Career Clothing Fund comes in.
All Tarleton State students have access to the Career Clothing Fund. Any student who applies and receives the fund will receive a one-time payment of $100 they can use towards any item of clothing.
If students wish to receive the funding there are a few qualifications that need to first be met. First, the student must be making an active move towards employment.
This means they cannot ask for the funds to buy clothes for a class presentation or a conference. Second, before they apply, the student must have attended at least
one meeting with a career services person, one career workshop and one career fair. Third, students, with the exception of graduate students, must be enrolled in six or more hours. Fourth, this must be the students first time receiving the funds.
If a student meets all of this criteria, they can go to the Career Clothing Fund’s website and fill out the application. If a student is chosen as a recipient, they will receive an email within two business days. After, they have five business days to respond and will then be given instructions on how to set up a bank mobile account if they don’t already have one.
The Career Clothing Fund continues to make a meaningful impact for students across Texas. Students interested in learning more about the Career Clothing Fund can simply scan the QR code to explore available resources and support.
At Tarleton State University, every gift makes a lasting impact, helping students pursue their goals and build a strong future.
The following list honors donors at the Bleed Purple, Texan True, Texans Rise, Grassburr, General Rudder and Texan Rider levels of the Texan Excellence Fund as of February 2026. Thank you for your commitment to Tarleton State and our students.
David & Elizabeth Albrecht
Kevin & Tierni Altieri
Billy & Monica Andrews
Jason Ballard
Linda Beach
Will & Megan Beaty
Erik & Tammy Becker
Clint & Stacey Bendele
Sherri Benn
Kara Blackwell
Warren & Libby Bluntzer
Matt & Emma Bouquet
Bobbie Boyd
Jerry & Michelle Campbell
Randall & Corey Carpenter
Stan & Linda Carpenter
Mitzi Cockerham
Rogers Coleman
Joe & Sandra Costilla
Scott & Liz Davis
Rex Detamore
Dominic & Lisette Dottavio
Bob & Darla Doty
Jim & Alicia Engelke
Kent & Elda Firestone
Bud & Rachel Frazier
Douglas & Gina French
Debbie Garrison
Javier Garza
Charlie & Trina Gilchrist
Jim & BJ Goodpasture
Peter Grant
Brandon & Bridgette Haile
Rocky & Tracey Hardin
Jake & Dally Hasbrouck
Randy & Debbie Hines
Henry Hohenberger
Corey & Emily Holt
Michael & Janie Honea
Rupa Iyer
JC & Kim Johnson
Dennis Jones & Ann Albrecht
Mickey & Kristi Kennedy
Steven Kocurek
Barry & Deeandra Lambert
John & Judy Landers
Bill & Kim Leaverton
Gene Lednicky
Lloyd & Gloria Lietz
Jimmy & Denise Locke
Frank & Chrystyl Lockhart
Lisa Lopez
Tommy & Becky Loughrey
Emily Love
Buzz & Kay Mann
Dwain & Lynda Mayfield
Patrick & Bridget McCarty
Steve & Susan Meers
Stephen & Tammy Miller
James & Patrice Morgan
Sean & Amanda Mosher
Jim & Theresa Mulloy
Cliff & Deana O'Rear
Frank Owsley
Sam & Carol Pack
Tony & Louisa Pack
Chad Parker & Laura Hummel
Bo & Jill Pharr
Brett Powell
Max & Susan Poynor
Joel Rainey
Steven & Miki Ranly
James & Tara Rhodes
Sandra Richardson
Chandler Roberson
Cody Romines
Roy & Sumer Russell
Wendell & Grace Sadler
Fredrick Santiago
Ray & Donna Savage
Tom & Jessica Schneider
Doug & Molly Simon
Garrett Smith
Todd & Shannon Smith
Gary & Judy Spindor
Marsha Stephens
Gary & Jana Sult
Ken & Becky Swan
Randy & Renee Thompson
Dave & Nancy Turley
Tony & Donna Vidmar
Kryste Vitera
John & Mary Warren
Eddie & I'Ann Washington
Bryant & Madhur Wyatt
William & Winnie Wyatt
Lance Zimmerman
Through Team Tarleton®, corporate sponsors directly impact students by funding tuition assistance, housing, wellness programs and other resources that support success. These investments open doors for first-generation and underserved students, equipping them with the tools to pursue their education and future careers. By joining Team Tarleton®, businesses become partners in shaping the next generation of leaders while aligning their brands with a legacy of excellence and service.
Team Tarleton® sponsors play a vital role in strengthening the university community and expanding access to life-changing opportunities. Their support fuels achievement, builds confidence and ensures Texans have the resources to thrive academically and professionally. Scan the code to learn how your business can make a lasting impact at Tarleton State University.
