Tarleton State, Texas A&M AgriLife cut ribbon for Research and Economic Development Building
Facility to bolster sponsored research, regional collaboration
Texas A&M AgriLife leaders joined Tarleton State University for a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 16 that opened the new Research and Economic Development Building co-located at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Stephenville.
Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will share the state-of-the-art facility with Tarleton State, which is also part of The Texas A&M University System.
Texas A&M officials called the building at U.S. Highway 281 and East Lingleville Road a new ecosystem for innovation that will foster increases in sponsored research and regional collaboration.
“Today marks a major step in bringing increased research funding to Stephenville,” said John Sharp, chancellor of the A&M System. “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 of being a part of The Texas A&M University System.”
“Buildings bring people together,” said Jeffrey W. Savell, Ph.D., vice chancellor and dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences. “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.”
New avenues for internal and external collaboration
Tarleton State, AgriLife Research and AgriLife Extension will conduct research and create programs in the new space to improve the lives of Texans.
“We are excited to share in this new opportunity to collaborate and to foster leading-edge innovation for sustainable production, strong economies and healthy living in Stephenville and across Texas,” said G. Cliff Lamb, Ph.D., director of AgriLife Research.
“Our agency is thrilled for this partnership and how it will enhance our work in fostering the economic strength and profitability of Texas’ agricultural production system while also addressing the workforce development needs of our rapidly growing state,” said Rick Avery, Ph.D., director of AgriLife Extension.
The future in North Central Texas
Mustard Design was the architect of the 10,000-square-foot space built by The Christman Company. It will house Tarleton State’s Institute for Rural Economic Development and Research, which will merge discovery and innovation to grow industries and foster job opportunities.
“Our economy is driven through research and innovation,” said James Hurley, Ph.D., Tarleton State president. “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.”
Tarleton State’s Small Business Development Center also will reside in the new building.
Texas A&M AgriLife and Tarleton State will work alongside other Texas A&M institutions, regional universities, start-up companies, business incubators and chambers of commerce to help drive North Central Texas prosperity.
