By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Zach Rateliff

When you drive past the new construction sites sprouting near the university’s football field, you can feel the pulse of a town that’s finally getting its own college‑town vibe. From fresh dorms to a bustling golf course, Texas A&M University‑Texarkana is turning the promise of higher education into a tangible community asset.

Strategic Growth Rooted in the Local Workforce

Ross Alexander, now in his fourth year as president and CEO, explained that the university’s recruitment strategy zeroes in on the Texarkana region and surrounding counties. “Our recruitment efforts start locally—Miller and Bowie County, within 100 miles,” he said, emphasizing a pathway for residents to earn an A&M degree with little or no debt in high‑demand fields.

This focus aligns with the broader economic push in the area. Partnerships with companies like Tex Americas and Ready are creating jobs that the university’s graduates are ready to fill, creating a virtuous cycle of education and employment that benefits the entire community.

From Twelve to Twenty‑Four Sports: A New Athletic Identity

When Alexander arrived in 2023, the campus fielded 12 varsity teams. Today, that number has doubled to 24, thanks in large part to the leadership of athletic director Ryan Wall and the hiring of seasoned football coach Joshua Ergel. “We have 90 football players on campus,” Alexander noted, underscoring the program’s rapid ascent.

Beyond football, the university added baseball, track and field, women’s flag football, and competitive cheer—known as “stunt.” These additions not only enrich student life but also draw regional talent, with many rosters composed primarily of local athletes. The average GPA of student‑athletes exceeds that of non‑athletes, and about 18‑20 percent of the total student body now consists of student‑athletes, a testament to the program’s academic rigor.

Affordability and Access: Tuition, Debt, and Housing

One of the university’s standout achievements is its cost‑effective tuition model. At roughly $9,000 per year, a semester costs about $4,500, making higher education attainable for many families. Alexander highlighted that 54 percent of graduates leave debt‑free, while 69 percent finish with less than $10,000 in loans.

Housing is expanding alongside enrollment. The campus is adding about 400 beds over the next 18 months, including modern container‑style apartments with granite countertops and private bathrooms. These options, along with partnerships that allow students to apply financial aid toward off‑campus apartments, broaden accessibility for adult learners juggling work and family responsibilities.

Community Collaboration: A Tri‑University Hub

Texarkana now boasts three thriving higher‑education institutions: Texas A&M University‑Texarkana, Texarkana College, and the University of Arkansas‑Hope campus. Alexander praised the collaborative spirit, noting that “for the first time, we’re all singing from the same sheet of music and all growing together.” This synergy enhances workforce training, especially in trades and aviation mechanics, where Texarkana College has become a national leader.

The university’s expansion also includes plans for a public golf course on the former Texarkana Golf Ranch, featuring food and beverage options that will serve both students and residents. Such amenities aim to make the campus a community hub where families can enjoy games, meals, and recreation in a single, vibrant setting.

Looking Ahead: Scaling Enrollment and Academic Excellence

In the past three years, headcount has surged by 65‑70 percent, bringing the student body close to 4,000. Credit hours taken have doubled, reflecting a commitment to accelerated pathways that help students graduate quickly and affordably. Alexander hinted at ambitious future goals, suggesting that continued growth could see enrollment double in the coming years.

Online degree offerings and credit for life experience further broaden the university’s reach, catering to the “millions of Texans with some college and no degree” who need flexible, credential‑focused education while balancing work and family life.

Through strategic recruitment, affordable tuition, athletic expansion, and community partnerships, Texas A&M University‑Texarkana is reshaping the educational landscape of the border city. Its growth not only provides more opportunities for local students but also fuels economic development, making the university a cornerstone of Texarkana’s future.

The full episode of The Zach Rateliff Show is available on OBBM Network TV.