Tarleton State University has grown dramatically in 125 years

BY BARRET JORDAN / Multimedia Journlanist

Tarleton State University  has  witnessed unprecedented progress, in recent years. From significantly larger student enrollment, new buildings and several major expansions the university has personified the reputation it has today. 

So, what better way to celebrate 125 years of excellence than to look back at the school’s amazing growth over the years—a trend that’s only expected to continue in the years that follow.

You don’t become one of the fastest-growing colleges in the state of Texas overnight. Funded by John Tarleton, Tarleton’s story begins when the college opened in 1899. The university had a fraction of the current infrastructure and number of students who attend today. 

It’s difficult to imagine how different it was over a century ago, but those original students and faculty members pioneered an institution that soon joined the Texas A&M system by 1917.
Tarleton was somewhat limited in its development as solely an agricultural college. By this time, there were several student organizations on campus and more buildings and residence halls were built since the college’s opening.

Clearly Tarleton was experiencing growth. However, it didn’t reach a major turning point until it became a four-year, degree-granting institution by 1959. The increased variety of programs offered widened its appeal and student enrollment numbers shot up significantly.

Little by little, Tarleton enhanced its facilities, athletics programs and the student population only continued to rise. 

That brings us to where we are today; the 2000s and beyond have marked a modernization period for the university.

Ongoing renovations to on-campus residences, the construction of education buildings for emerging departments and the establishment of a global campus or availability of online degree programs are just a few of the recent developments that have taken place within the last few decades.

In even more recent times, Tarleton has invested in the building of a parking garage to cater to increasing numbers of students and a large events center adjacent to the football stadium.
Greek life, recreation clubs, and many student-led organizations (the TNS/JTAC included of course) all exist on campus to serve the interests of students.

Tarleton proudly boasts a student population of 16,230 (and this stat is from fall of 2023 meaning the number is even greater now). As each incoming Freshman class grows, it’s obvious more people are taking notice of what was once a small agricultural college in Stephenville, Texas.

Tarleton’s rich history and achievements are impossible without motivated students given the opportunity to succeed. Here’s to 125 more years: it’s only up from here Texans.