Dr. James Hurley was unanimously appointed as the 16th President of Tarleton State University in August 2019 by the Texas A&M System Board of Regents. Since taking the helm, Dr. Hurley has steered Tarleton State into a period of extraordinary growth, making it one of the nation’s fastest-growing public universities. Under his guidance, the university has not only increased enrollment by 25% but also achieved record-breaking progress in fundraising, research, state support, and national recognition. This feature article delves into Dr. Hurley’s extensive contributions and the transformative impact of his leadership on Tarleton State University’s journey to becoming a prominent, comprehensive public institution.
Strategic Vision and Future-Driven Initiatives: “Tarleton Forward 2030”
Dr. James Hurley has launched an ambitious “Tarleton Forward 2030: Our Future-Focused Strategic Plan” which serves as a blueprint to establish Tarleton State as a premier public university. This plan, developed early in his presidency, centers on long-term objectives across various academic, research, and infrastructural dimensions. A key element of Tarleton Forward 2030 is to elevate Tarleton’s academic profile through curriculum innovation, a commitment to research, and enhancements to student support. These strategies focus on positioning Tarleton as a leader in higher education, not only within Texas but nationwide.
The plan’s success is reflected in the rapid growth of academic programs, faculty hires, and strategic initiatives that have attracted national attention. For instance, Tarleton was recently recognized in Money magazine’s “Best Colleges in America” for 2024, underscoring the impact of Dr. Hurley’s vision on Tarleton’s academic stature and influence.
Building a Research Powerhouse: Transforming Tarleton into a High-Research Institution
Under Dr. Hurley’s leadership, Tarleton State University has seen exponential growth in research funding and activity. The university has raised its research expenditures by 67%, earning it the prestigious classification of a “Doctoral University: High Research Activity” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This designation places Tarleton State among an elite group of high-research universities across the United States, underscoring the institution’s commitment to cutting-edge innovation and discovery.
Several initiatives have further fueled this research expansion. Dr. Hurley launched the President’s Excellence in Research Scholars (PERS) program and founded the Institute for Rural Economic Development and Research, both of which aim to enhance Tarleton’s research profile and extend its positive impact to local and regional communities. In 2024, Tarleton opened its state-of-the-art Research and Economic Development Building, a facility designed to foster interdisciplinary research and attract new collaborations and research dollars to Texas. As one of only 73 Economic Development Administration (EDA) University Centers nationwide, Tarleton continues to drive meaningful research that addresses community needs and furthers the region’s economic development.
Infrastructure Expansion to Support a Rapidly Growing Student Body
Enrollment growth under Dr. Hurley’s tenure has necessitated substantial investments in new infrastructure to accommodate the university’s expanding population and program offerings. Major projects have taken shape under his leadership, including an $80 million Health Professions Building and a $110 million Event Center. The Health Professions Building will support critical health education initiatives, helping to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals in Texas and beyond. Meanwhile, the Event Center will serve as a multipurpose space, providing a venue for NCAA Division I basketball games, academic convocations, symposiums, and large community events. These projects are part of an overarching $500 million in active construction efforts that reflect Dr. Hurley’s forward-looking approach to campus development and his dedication to creating a vibrant learning environment for current and future generations.
Fostering Educational Access and Affordability
One of Dr. Hurley’s core missions has been to make higher education accessible and affordable for a broad and diverse student body. Under his direction, Tarleton has established programs to bridge the gap between secondary education and college, ensuring students from all backgrounds can achieve academic success with minimized financial burden. Tarleton has forged partnerships with regional high schools and community colleges, offering guaranteed scholarships for students who meet the program’s criteria. The “Tarleton Promise” scholarship program, for instance, provides tuition, fees, room and board, and textbooks to qualifying students who have exhausted federal and state financial aid, allowing many students to earn their degrees without incurring significant debt.
Additionally, the innovative “Tarleton Today” dual-enrollment program allows high school students to earn college credit, significantly reducing both the time and cost of obtaining a college degree. With over 2,500 students participating, the program illustrates Dr. Hurley’s commitment to fostering educational attainment, promoting college readiness, and ensuring students in Texas can seamlessly transition into higher education pathways.
Honors and Recognition: National Acknowledgment of Dr. Hurley’s Contributions
Dr. Hurley’s transformative efforts at Tarleton have garnered widespread recognition. In 2024, he received the prestigious United States Congressional Patriot Award from Congressman Pat Fallon, acknowledging his dedication to society and his contributions to higher education. In 2023, Fort Worth, Inc. Magazine named him one of the 400 most influential North Texans. Additionally, in 2022, he was honored with the Education Leadership Award by the North Texas Commission for his positive impact on the North Texas region. These awards highlight Dr. Hurley’s influence and effectiveness as a leader in both education and community engagement.
His accomplishments are not limited to accolades alone; they also resonate in the partnerships and memberships that Tarleton State holds today. In 2022, Tarleton joined the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), a distinguished organization dedicated to advancing public higher education. This membership places Tarleton alongside other top institutions in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, reinforcing the university’s academic and research reputation under Dr. Hurley’s leadership.
Enhancing Athletic Programs: Competing at the NCAA Division I Level
An important aspect of Dr. Hurley’s presidency includes advancing Tarleton’s athletic programs to the NCAA Division I level. This transition was achieved in 2019 when the Texans joined the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Throughout the four-year reclassification process, Tarleton State set new benchmarks in the NCAA Academic Progress Rate, demonstrating that the Texans excel academically as well as competitively. In sports, the Texans have won numerous regular-season and postseason championships, raising the university’s profile on a national level. Dr. Hurley’s emphasis on a balanced approach to student-athlete success strengthens Tarleton’s athletic and academic programs, creating a foundation for future growth and achievement.
A Life of Service and Advocacy for Education
Dr. Hurley’s life story is rooted in his deep belief in the transformative power of education. As a first-generation college graduate and the grandson of coal miners, Dr. Hurley knows firsthand how access to higher education can change the course of one’s life. This understanding is central to his work at Tarleton and fuels his lifelong dedication to ensuring education is attainable for all. Prior to joining Tarleton, Dr. Hurley served in multiple leadership roles at other institutions, including as President of Tusculum University. At Tusculum, he played a key role in establishing new health sciences programs, further reflecting his dedication to student success and community well-being.
Dr. James Hurley holds a doctorate from Morehead State University, a master’s degree from Indiana University, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pikeville. He has completed executive leadership programs at Harvard and Vanderbilt Universities, equipping him with the expertise needed to navigate the complex landscape of higher education.
Conclusion
Dr. James Hurley’s leadership has left an indelible mark on Tarleton State University. Through initiatives focused on research, infrastructure, accessibility, and athletics, Dr. Hurley has set a high standard for comprehensive public universities. His ability to transform vision into reality has made Tarleton a national leader in higher education. Thank you, Dr. Hurley, for your continued dedication to the growth and success of Tarleton State University.
