Tarleton State University: 7 Essential Changes for 2025
Tarleton State is on the rise, but what's next? We explore 7 essential changes for 2025, from parking solutions to an AI curriculum, to shape its future.
Dr. Evelyn Reed
Higher education consultant and analyst specializing in university development and student experience.
Tarleton State University: 7 Essential Changes for 2025
Walk through the Stephenville campus on a crisp fall afternoon, and you can feel it in the air—a palpable energy. It’s in the sea of purple flags, the distant sound of the Texan Marching Band, and the constant buzz of students crisscrossing the Heritage Oak-lined paths. Tarleton State University is a place defined by tradition, but it’s also a university in motion, rapidly evolving and growing. This isn't just wishful thinking; it's a reality shaped by its recent transition to NCAA Division I and its expanding role within the Texas A&M University System.
But with rapid growth comes inevitable growing pains. The very things that make Tarleton special—its close-knit community and deep-rooted traditions—must be balanced with forward-thinking strategies to meet the demands of a new generation of students. As we look toward 2025, it’s not just about maintaining momentum; it’s about making targeted, essential changes that will solidify Tarleton’s position as a premier institution for decades to come. This isn't a list of complaints, but a roadmap for an even brighter future.
1. A Real Solution to the Parking & Campus Mobility Puzzle
Let’s start with the issue on every student's mind: parking. The frantic search for a spot before an 8 AM class is a rite of passage no one enjoys. While campus growth is exciting, the infrastructure must keep pace. For 2025, Tarleton needs to move beyond simply re-striping lots and implement a multi-faceted mobility plan.
The centerpiece should be the construction of a multi-level parking garage, strategically located near high-traffic zones like the Recreation Center and Memorial Stadium. This would instantly free up hundreds of surface-level spots, reducing congestion across campus. But it’s not just about cars. The plan should also include an upgraded shuttle system with a real-time tracking app—no more guessing when the next bus will arrive. Finally, creating designated zones for e-scooters and a partnership with a bike-share company would provide flexible, last-mile solutions for students living near campus.
Parking & Mobility: 2024 vs. Proposed 2025
| Feature | Current State (2024) | Proposed State (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Parking Infrastructure | Overcrowded surface lots; constant competition for spots. | New multi-level garage; increased capacity and reduced congestion. |
| Shuttle System | Limited routes and inconsistent schedules. | Expanded routes with a live GPS tracking app for students. |
| Micro-Mobility | Unregulated, informal use of personal scooters. | Designated e-scooter zones and a formal bike-share program. |
2. Integrating AI & Future-Tech into the Core Curriculum
Artificial Intelligence isn't just a buzzword for computer science majors anymore; it’s a fundamental force reshaping every industry, from agriculture to nursing. To truly prepare students for the modern workforce, Tarleton must embed technological literacy, specifically in AI, into its core educational experience.
By 2025, Tarleton should introduce a required one-credit course for all incoming freshmen: “AI Literacy and Ethical Use.” This course wouldn’t teach coding, but rather focus on how AI works, its practical applications in various fields, and the critical ethical considerations surrounding it. This ensures that every Tarleton graduate, regardless of their major, understands the technology that will define their careers. Alongside this, investing in “smart classroom” upgrades with interactive displays and collaborative software will make learning more dynamic and engaging.
3. Building a Proactive Student Wellness Hub
The mental and physical well-being of students is paramount to their success. While Tarleton has counseling services, the university should evolve its approach from reactive support to a proactive, centralized wellness model. It’s time to create a true Student Wellness Hub.
This hub would be a one-stop-shop, integrating mental health counseling, medical services, nutritional guidance, and financial literacy workshops under one roof. Imagine a space where a student can see a counselor, get advice on managing a budget, and attend a yoga class all in the same building. Key to this is expanding access: implementing a 24/7 mental health telehealth service so students can get support whenever they need it, not just during business hours. This shift shows a deep commitment to nurturing the whole student.
4. Elevating the Division I Game Day Experience
The move to Division I was a massive step forward for Tarleton Athletics. Now, it's time to build a fan culture to match. The spirit is there, but the experience can be elevated from just a game to a must-attend campus event.
For 2025, Tarleton should establish a permanent “Texan Fan Zone” outside Memorial Stadium for every home football game, complete with food trucks, live music from local bands, and family-friendly activities. To boost student engagement, the university could launch a loyalty app—the “Purple Herd Rewards”—where students scan in at games to earn points. These points could be redeemed for exclusive merchandise, concession discounts, or even priority access to tickets for rivalry games. It’s about building traditions that make game day an unforgettable part of the Tarleton experience.
5. The “Texan-to-Pro” Career Pipeline Program
A university's ultimate promise is a successful future for its graduates. Tarleton can strengthen this promise by creating a formalized, high-impact internship program that bridges the gap between Stephenville and the major economic hubs of the DFW Metroplex and beyond.
The “Texan-to-Pro” Career Pipeline would be a university-managed initiative to secure a guaranteed number of paid internship slots exclusively for Tarleton students at partner companies each year. Instead of leaving students to navigate the competitive internship market alone, the university would act as a powerful liaison. This program would focus on diverse fields—from engineering firms in Fort Worth to marketing agencies in Dallas—and provide logistical support, like transportation stipends or housing assistance, to make these opportunities accessible to all students.
6. Launching a Bold Campus Sustainability Initiative
A modern university has a responsibility to be a leader in environmental stewardship. For 2025, Tarleton should launch a comprehensive “Go Green” initiative that goes beyond a few recycling bins.
This initiative should have three key pillars:
- Renewable Energy: Begin a phased installation of solar panels on the roofs of large, flat-topped buildings like the Dick Smith Library and the Science Building. This would reduce the university's carbon footprint and lower long-term energy costs.
- Waste Reduction: Implement a campus-wide composting program in all dining halls and coffee shops to divert food waste from landfills. Additionally, begin a phase-out of single-use plastics in favor of reusable or compostable alternatives.
- Academic Integration: Create a “Living Lab” program where students in environmental science, agriculture, and engineering can work on campus sustainability projects for course credit.
7. Modernizing the General Education Requirements
The core curriculum is the foundation of a bachelor’s degree, but that foundation needs to be updated for the 21st century. While a liberal arts education is invaluable, it can be enhanced with practical skills that all employers now demand.
By 2025, Tarleton should review and revise its general education requirements to include skills for the digital age. This could involve replacing one of the traditional social science or humanities electives with a choice from a new category of “Modern Competencies.” Courses in this category could include: “Personal Financial Literacy,” “Data-Driven Decision Making,” or “Professional Digital Communication.” This small but significant change would ensure every graduate leaves with a baseline of practical, real-world knowledge that complements their major and makes them more competitive in the job market.
Conclusion: Building the Tarleton of Tomorrow
Tarleton State University is at a pivotal crossroads, where its rich history meets a future brimming with potential. The seven changes outlined here—from solving parking woes to embedding AI literacy—are more than just a wishlist. They represent a strategic investment in the student experience, academic relevance, and long-term growth.
By embracing these essential shifts in 2025, Tarleton can do more than just manage its growth; it can harness it to build a more innovative, supportive, and dynamic university. It's about ensuring that the spirit and opportunity that define Tarleton today will shine even brighter for the Texans of tomorrow.