Tarleton State University has three core beliefs: integrity, excellence, and respect. These values are maintained by every Tarleton State student, faculty member, or otherwise to showcase what makes Tarleton State an institution worthy of being a premier school. Though the Stephenville community does not explicitly abide by the same three core values, the community is very closely connected to all three, and it is what sets Tarleton State – and the city of Stephenville – apart from the rest. It is a college that believes in local and global community outreach.  

On Dec. 13, 2023, at the Stephenville City Hall, an official alliance was put into effect to better connect the university to the local community. President Dr. James Hurley and Stephenville Mayor Doug Svien came to an agreement and founded the “Tarleton/Stephenville Town and Gown Alliance,” to officially and better connect both institutions together.  

“We are fortunate to live and serve in a community that embraces growth and opportunity. Tarleton has been on the rise for a long time, and I’m thankful to have the support of our city.” Dr. Hurley said.

Town and Gown Alliances are natural occurrences especially within college towns, as universities and towns work better when they are working alongside each other. Alliances such as these can encourage more flow in the local economy, increased access to resources, and create a better and more effective society within the college and towns.

Stephenville has always been the home of Tarleton State University ever since the days of John Tarleton Agricultural College. Tarleton State and Stephenville are both able to achieve a better-connected community through this alliance, and both Tarleton State and Stephenville owe it to each other to optimize how they serve their close-knit communities. This stronger partnership between the city and the university commences the beginning of a brighter future and populous.

For more information on the Stephenville-Tarleton agreement or Town and Gown Alliances, please visit www.tarleton.edu/news/tarleton-state-city-of-stephenville-form-town-and-gown-alliance/#:~:text=The%20partnership%20agreement%20outlines%20executive,development%2C%20and%20education%20and%20research and info.higheredfacilitiesforum.com/blog/how-universities-can-strengthen-town-gown-relations