STEPHENVILLE, TEXAS — Tarleton State University opened its new Research and Economic Development Building on July 16.

The university will share the facility in Stephenville, Texas, with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

“Our economy is driven through research and innovation,” said James Hurley, president of Tarleton State. “The cutting-edge research between our university and Texas A&M AgriLife moving forward will help to meet challenges in Texas and beyond. As our university celebrates 125 years starting this fall, we are committed to building a better future for all.”

In 2023, Tarleton received a grant from the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA), which helped the university operate as an EDA University Center — the only one in North Central Texas and one of just 73 nationwide.

Along with the EDA funding of $650,000, the university said regional partners are matching the grant for a total of $1.3 million over five years.

“Today marks a major step in bringing increased research funding to Stephenville,” said Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp. “We are proud of the work being done by Tarleton State and Texas A&M AgriLife to benefit the region. Their close collaboration here is just another example of the benefits that come with being a part of The Texas A&M University System.”

The 10,000-square-foot building will incorporate Tarleton State’s Institute for Rural Economic Development and Research and the university’s Small Business Development Center.

Working collaboratively, Tarleton State and Texas A&M AgriLife plans to conduct research and create programs for agricultural jobs in Texas.

“Buildings bring people together,” said Jeff Savell, vice chancellor and dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences for Texas A&M AgriLife. “As we work to set new standards for our communities, this new building will advance cutting-edge research and innovation, sustainable production systems, resource development and economic strength. We look forward to what this building, and most importantly, the people in it, will accomplish.”

Tarleton State will work beside Texas A&M System institutions, regional universities, start-up companies, business incubators and chambers of commerce to help business throughout this area of Texas.

“Strong partnerships through research and innovation are needed for economic resilience and prosperity,” said Rupa Iyer, vice president for Tarleton State’s Division of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development. “This new building will pave the way for incredible achievements in the years to come. We look forward to continuing to work with AgriLife as we start this next chapter.”

Tarleton State also holds a meat science program under its Department of Animal Science and sponsors a meat judging team.