Tarleton breaks ground on $80 million Health Professions Building; adds 3 new degree programs.
TSU Media Relations
Special to Beneath the Surface News
Tarleton State broke ground Wednesday on an $80 million Health Professions Building that will further establish the university as the leader of rural healthcare throughout the state.
The project was approved by The Texas A&M System Board of Regents last November, with move-in planned for summer 2025.
“Tarleton State is poised to be the educational epicenter for rural healthcare, not only in our region but beyond,” said university President Dr. James Hurley.
Nearly 20 percent of the U.S. population calls rural communities home, with these areas facing significant shortages of physicians and specialists.
In Stephenville, the patient-physician ratio is 1,779 to 1.
Three new degree programs are set to be added in conjunction with the new facility, including physical therapy, occupational therapy and physician assistant studies.
Specialized laboratory space and public clinics will allow students to gain important hands-on experience in these areas.
The new degree options join existing programs in kinesiology, nutrition science, social work, public health, athletic training, and communication sciences and disorders.
“It’s good to be back in Stephenville for yet another groundbreaking,” Chancellor John Sharp said. “Texas A&M System Regents are committed to making Tarleton into one of the state’s finest public universities.”
With nearly 40 percent of community hospitals in Texas in jeopardy of closure, Tarleton is now positioned to serve a critical role in elevating healthcare in the Lone Star State by adding to the workforce in these locations of immense need.
As a Tarleton State graduate himself, state Rep. DeWayne Burns (District 58) emphasized the educational opportunities for future students that will result from the new facility.
“Today is just the most recent example of the university’s steadfast focus on developing and graduating students who are ready to enter the workforce to benefit our region and beyond,” Burns said.
At 92,000 square feet, the new Health Professions Building will be located adjacent to the Nursing Building.
