The institution of higher learning known as Tarleton State University-Central Texas is expected to fade away in the not-too-distant future, and give way to Texas A&M University-Central Texas.
With increased enrollment of at least 1,000 students, Tarleton State University-Central Texas will cease to exist and Texas A&M University-Central Texas will emerge, most likely by Sept. 1.
On Wednesday, the number of students was at 1,050, said Kim Lee, public relations coordinator for the university.
The numbers will have to be certified by the 20th class day, but university and local leaders all believe that the birth of a new stand-alone university in Bell County is at hand.
“I’m sure we’ll make it,” Lee added.
Pending a massive number of withdrawals, the numbers are almost sure to be certified as true, which will prompt the Texas A&M University System chancellor to recommend the name change to the board of regents.
Once the name change is in place, students who are graduating in December 2009, will have a choice which university is on their diploma.
Chris Mallonee, who commutes from Georgetown, said he came to the university because it’s affordable and the class sizes are ideal.
But the graduate student, who is pursuing his master’s degree in business administration, said it felt good to be one of those new students who helped make the name change a reality.
“I am really excited about Tarleton becoming a stand-alone university,” he said.
Dr. Garry Ross, executive director for the university, said the level of anticipation on campus, among both faculty and students, was at a fever pitch.
“It’s pretty euphoric,” Ross said. “People are getting pretty excited about this.”
That excitement, Ross said has even spread to the Killeen community and beyond.
State Rep. Jimmy Don Aycock, who has been speaking with local officials about the university name change, said a lot of people are thrilled about what is coming.
“This is a huge event for Central Texas,” Aycock said. “All we’ve got to do now is continue to grow this into a full-fledged university.”
John Crutchfield, president of the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce, said the emergence of Texas A&M-Central Texas can only be a good thing, especially when it comes to attracting new industry to the area.
“The job creation for this university is extremely significant,” Crutchfield said.
Among the growing industries in the Bell County region are defense contractors and the health care industry, but the possibilities could be endless, he said.
“I think that it’s a fair statement that this is the largest economic development driver in the region since Fort Hood was developed here,” Crutchfield said.
