About Dr. James Hurley

Dr. James Hurley began his tenure as Tarleton State University’s 16th President in August 2019, leading the institution to unprecedented heights. Since his arrival, Tarleton has elevated its academics, research, enrollment, retention rates, graduation rates, diversity, fundraising and athletics.

Under Dr. Hurley’s leadership, the university created and implemented Tarleton Forward 2030: Our Future-Focused Strategic Plan, a blueprint for becoming the premier comprehensive regional university in the nation. During his time, Tarleton has become one of the country’s fastest growing public universities.

His signature accomplishments include robust enrollment growth, innovative student funding models, accelerated degree completion, vigorous partnerships with high schools and community colleges, enhanced research initiatives, improved operational efficiency, and collaborations with business and community stakeholders. Additionally, Dr. Hurley launched the largest-ever comprehensive capital campaign in Tarleton’s history. Forward Together has shattered fundraising records and already eclipsed $100 million in philanthropic support, trending two years ahead of schedule toward its $125 million 2024 target…

Strategic Plan

The Tarleton Promise

Campus Master Plan

Meet the First Lady

First Lady Kindall Hurley

Tarleton State University’s 16th First Lady, Kindall Hurley, takes an active role in supporting her husband’s vision to see the school become the premier comprehensive regional institution in the nation. She is an enthusiastic Tarleton ambassador, whether hosting activities at the Hurley home — the Trogdon House in the heart of the Stephenville campus — attending community and university events, or raising funds for the Tarleton Forever Capital Campaign.

A champion for education, Mrs. Hurley is passionate about students and their success and well-being. She earned her MBA at the University of Tennessee, and she completed a master’s in educational leadership and a specialist degree in educational administration at Lincoln Memorial University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from East Tennessee State University.

President’s Communication

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Executive Leadership Team

Meet the Deans

Dr. Barry Lambert
Dr. Barry Lambert
Interim Dean, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Dr. Chris Shao
Dr. Chris Shao
Dean, College of Business
Dr. Kim Rynearson
Dr. Kim Rynearson
Dean, College of Education and Human Development
Dr. Nathan Heller
Dr. Nathan Heller
Acting Dean, College of Graduate Studies
Dr. Kayla Peak
Dr. Kayla Peak
Interim Dean, College of Health Sciences and Human Services
Dr. Eric Morrow
Dr. Eric Morrow
Dean, College of Liberal and Fine Arts
Dr. Michael Huggins
Dr. Michael Huggins
Dean, College of Science and Technology

The Trogdon House

For most of a century Tarleton State University’s Trogdon House has been a hub of activity and tradition in Stephenville.

The two-story building, a stately 4,500 square feet, sits at the heart of the campus, between the O.A Grant Building, the E.J. Howell Education Building and the Dick Smith Library.

Built in 1923, it has housed university presidents starting with its builder and architect, Dean J. Thomas Davis, who shared the dwelling with his family until he turned over the reins of power in 1948.

Read More About The Trogdon House

President’s Staff/Contact

Credence Baker
Dr. Credence Baker
Chief of Staff and Vice President of University Relations
Email:[email protected]
Phone:(254) 968-9420
Tauna Bertsch
Ms. Tauna Bertsch
Executive Assistant to the President
Email:[email protected]
Phone:(254) 968-9921
Lauren Gillespie
Ms. Lauren Gillespie
Executive Assistant
Email:[email protected]
Phone:(254) 968-9749


While the president openly accepts the vast majority of invitations that are requested, frequent declines to invitations due to calendar conflicts are possible. The President’s Office attempts to accommodate most requests that support the mission of the university and appreciates your patience with the president’s complex calendar.

President Request For Attendance