Texas A&M University–Texarkana

Texas A&M University–Texarkana
Established	1971
Type	Public university
President	Carlisle B Rathburn
Academic staff	99
Students	1,950
Location	Texarkana, Texas, United States
Website	www.tamut.edu

Texas A&M University–Texarkana, also known as A&M-Texarkana, is a public university located in Texarkana, Texas, USA. It is one of the newest members of The Texas A&M University System.

A&M-Texarkana was first established as an upper-level center of Commerce, Texas based East Texas State University in 1971. The university received separate accreditation in 1980, and in September 1996 (when ETSU joined the Texas A&M System as Texas A&M University–Commerce), the Texarkana branch became a separate institution from the Commerce campus.

A&M-Texarkana is a residential institution dedicated to offering career-oriented studies, awarding undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees in the areas of business administration, arts and sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics and education. Students in adjacent counties of Oklahoma and Arkansas attend at in-state tuition rates, and historically 30 percent of the student body is from Arkansas.

University overview

Texas A&M University–Texarkana offers flexible, year-round courses with mini-terms offered between semesters. Students select from six degrees and 11 majors at the undergraduate level, four degrees and 11 disciplines at the master's degree level, and can obtain 29 graduate and undergraduate certifications and endorsements in the teaching profession. The university also offers a doctoral program in Education Administration. One of the university's fastest growing degree programs is the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, which can award college credit for learning experience gained at work. additional baccalaureate degrees in nursing and biology, and master's degrees in nursing and educational administration. In 1997, A&M-Texarkana teamed with area public schools and community colleges to offer a new program called "Teacher Bound," which enables teacher aides to become fully certified classroom teachers. In fall of 2010,the university began accepting freshman,sophomore and doctoral students. Freshman enrollment increased 183% when comparing the fall 2011 semester to fall 2010. Total student credit hours increased 45.5 percent and undergraduate semester credit hours increased 61 percent during the past two years.

College of Education and Liberal Arts ([1])

• Education
• English
• History
• Political Science
• Mass Communications
• Criminal Justice

College of Business ([2])

• Marketing
• Finance
• Management
• Accounting

College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics ([3])

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Psychology and Counseling
• Sociology
• Nursing

Main entrance of A&M-Texarkana

In 1995, the university's new field-based teacher education program redesigned the way teachers are prepared for the classroom and won two national awards for innovation. In fall 1995, A&M-Texarkana and Texarkana College (the two share a physical facility) cooperated to offer a joint four-year science specialization for elementary education majors by sharing faculty and facilities to prepare outstanding science teachers. A&M-Texarkana and Northeast Texas Community College also have a partnership whereby NTCC students can earn A&M-Texarkana degrees in teacher education and criminal justice while taking all classes at NTCC.

A&M-Texarkana counseling students since 1987 have achieved a 100 percent first-time passage rate on the licensed professional counselor exam.

Facilities

For many years the university shared the same campus with Texarkana College. In 2004, the university acquired 375 acres of land as a gift from the City of Texarkana, Texas, (300 acres) and the Anita and Truman Arnold Foundation (75 acres). Funding has also been received by the Texas Legislature for construction of buildings at the new campus. Texas Legislature. Construction began at the new campus in 2006. To date, four buildings have been constructed at the new campus; Science & Technology, University Center, Central Plant and Bringle Lake Village. Bringle Lake Village is a state-of-the-art 294 bed furnished residence hall that features many nice amenities that include an inground swimming pool, sand volleyball court and fitness center. Students have three floor plans to choose from. Plans are underway to begin construction of a second residence hall and a dining hall. The scheduled completion date is fall 2013.

Eagle Athletics was introduced in fall 2011. Five club sports are available for students to choose from. They include soccer, golf, tennis, crew and cross country. The university also has a newly established dance team.

A&M-Texarkana will continue to have a positive impact on the region for many years to come. The university offers the lowest university tuition rates in the state and has the distinction of being a member of the world renown Texas A&M University System. The university is the second fastest growing institution in the state and has received strong community support.

Notable alumni

• Erwin Cain (Class of 1985), Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives from Sulphur Springs

External links

• Texas A&M University–Texarkana
• Texas A&M University System