| Tarleton State University has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Texas A&M System Research Excellence Fund (REF) to support a new doctoral fellowship initiative designed to strengthen the university’s research enterprise. The funding will support 10 competitive doctoral fellowships through the System-Wide Innovation Fellowships at Tarleton State (SWIFT) Doctoral Fellows Program, which will recruit high-achieving doctoral students in three priority research programs: – Four fellows in Ph.D. in Animal & Natural Resource Sciences – Three fellows in Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology – Three fellows in Ph.D. in Integrative Biosciences, pending THECB approval “We are grateful for the unwavering support of The Texas A&M System Board of Regents and Chancellor Glenn Hegar, whose leadership and commitment continue to expand opportunities for our students, faculty and researchers,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “This award is another impactful milestone in our continued growth in research and innovation. Initiatives like this accelerate our progress, reinforce Tarleton State’s role in advancing research, and strengthen our commitment to developing doctoral scholars whose discoveries will help shape the future of Texas and beyond.” The SWIFT Doctoral Fellows Program aims to expand Tarleton State’s research capacity by recruiting exceptional doctoral students and providing the support necessary for them to focus on high-impact research. The funding will allow fellows to accelerate research productivity while contributing to the university’s broader research mission. “We are thrilled to receive our very first award from the Texas A&M System Research Excellence Fund and thank the Board of Regents for their support,” said Dr. Rupa Iyer, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development. “This award will further enhance Tarleton State’s capacity to build a strong pipeline of the next generation of a highly skilled workforce, expand our research capacity and move us closer to achieving our goal of R1 status.” A distinguishing feature of the program is its emphasis on cross-system collaboration. Students will be co-mentored by faculty from other institutions and agencies within The Texas A&M System, expanding opportunities for collaborative research and joint scholarly work. In addition to advancing research activity, the program will strengthen doctoral recruitment and retention while providing structured mentoring and professional development opportunities for participating students. “This investment strengthens two priorities that matter deeply to Tarleton State: supporting outstanding doctoral students and expanding the impact of our research enterprise, said Dr. Barry Lambert, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “By attracting talented scholars into these programs and supporting them with strong mentorship, we are building the kind of research environment that benefits our students, our state, and the communities we serve.” A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 21,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For over 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs. |
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