On Jan. 17, 2024, Tarleton State University began the construction process of the new Health Professions Building with a groundbreaking ceremony. The event was hosted by University President, Dr. James Hurley, who was accompanied by Chancellor Sharp and a number of fellow congressional representatives, all of whom worked tirelessly in order to kickoff this addition to Tarleton State University building catalog. 

However, the development for this new project did not start here. In early November of 2023, the A&M Board of Regents approved the construction of the 80 million dollar Health Profession Building funded by the Capital Construction Assistance Projects (CCAP). This was given to the University during the 87th legislative session as well as through the A&M Board of Regents. 

Predominantly, the new Health Professions Building exists to train and educate the future of medicine.

“When more than 40 percent of the community hospitals in Texas are vulnerable to closure, rural healthcare matters,” Tarleton State President, Dr. James Hurley, reported. “As a national comprehensive public university, we have a moral responsibility to enhance access to high-quality, affordable healthcare.”

At 29,000 square feet, the new Health Professions Building, which will house the College of Health Science, will include specialized lab spaces and a public clinic in order for students to gain real world experience in a healthcare setting. 

“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,” State Representative Dewayne Burns (District 58) stated during the ceremony.

In addition to the building, three new collegiate degrees will also be offered, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physician assistant studies.