Texas A&M University‑Texarkana celebrated the opening of the James C. Morriss Business, Engineering and Technology Building, a $45 million, three‑story, 50,000‑square‑foot facility that marks the first named academic building on the campus.
New space for learning and innovation
The building connects directly to the existing Science and Technology Building via elevated walkways on the second and third floors, creating a seamless campus corridor. Inside, students will find modern classrooms, advanced engineering and design labs, faculty offices, and a 250‑seat lecture hall and auditorium designed for both instruction and community events.
Financial‑literacy center prepares students for real‑world success
A standout feature is the Red River Credit Union Center for Financial Literacy and Investment. The center aims to teach students practical money‑management skills—budgeting, emergency‑fund planning, debt‑reduction strategies and credit management—before they enter the workforce. “We really focus on developing that emergency fund, developing a budget, developing their debt reduction plan, as well as credit management,” said Jay Davis, executive director of financial and entrepreneurship engagement at Texas A&M‑Texarkana.
Community and economic impact
University officials say the new building reflects the campus’s transformation from a single‑building institution to a growing regional hub of higher education. “To start from one building to now adding our most recent building, the campus has definitely changed. The energy has changed. It’s a great time to be on campus,” Davis added.
The project was funded through appropriations secured by the Texas Legislature, underscoring state support for expanding educational opportunities in the Texarkana region.
AR‑TX REDI to join campus
In a related development, AR‑TX REDI, the regional economic‑development organization, plans to relocate its offices to the Texas A&M‑Texarkana campus later this month. The move is expected to deepen collaboration between the university and local businesses, further strengthening the area’s economic outlook.
Overall, the Morriss Building provides expanded capacity for business, engineering and technology programs, creates new jobs for faculty and staff, and offers students the tools they need to succeed financially and professionally.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
