Groundbreaking for New TAMUT Building

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Texarkana is set to witness a significant leap in higher education as Texas A&M University-Texarkana prepares to construct the new Business, Engineering, and Technology Building. This state-of-the-art facility, named in honor of James C. Morriss, founder of JCM Industries, promises to transform the university and the surrounding community. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on May 30, 2024, marked the beginning of a project that will provide a hub for innovation and academic excellence for generations to come.

A Transformative Facility for East Texas

The James C. Morris Business, Engineering, and Technology Building, a $45 million project funded by the Texas Legislature, will be a three-story, 50,000-square-foot facility located on the southwest side of the university campus. Scheduled for completion in the spring of 2026, the building will house the Center for Financial Literacy and Investment, numerous laboratories for mechanical engineering and design, and a 225-seat lecture hall/auditorium. What makes this building unique is how it is going to impact the local area and the students that are going to be attending the facility.

Honoring a Legacy of Innovation

The naming of the building and the Division of Engineering after James C. Morris is a testament to his legacy of innovation and commitment to excellence. Morris, a former president of the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce, founded JCM Industries in 1976 with his wife, Gladys. The company has been a leading provider of supplies for the water and wastewater industries nationwide for over 40 years.

“We are beyond proud to have this state-of-the-art academic facility named for Mr. Morris and are profoundly grateful to his family for the contributions they have made to honor his legacy,” said Texas A&M University-Texarkana President Dr. Ross Alexander. He would continue by saying, “This showcase academic building will help attract, educate, and train talented students and graduates for generations to come”. Jim Morris, son of James C. Morris, expressed his gratitude, stating, “When I look at this picture (the photo of what the new building will look like), it gives me goosebumps, because I don’t think he could’ve ever imagined it, but I just know how proud and excited he would be if he could see it, so I have that same kind of feeling”.

Enhancing Academic Opportunities

The new building will not only provide updated facilities but also expand academic opportunities for students. The university plans to launch approximately 15 new degree programs at the baccalaureate and master’s levels in business, engineering, and technology within the next few years. The facility will also allow the recently established College of Business, Engineering, and Technology to explore new academic programs, such as computer science, with a focus on machine learning and cybersecurity.

A Hub for Community Engagement

The James C. Morriss Business, Engineering, and Technology Building is more than just a building; it’s an investment in the future of Texarkana. With a 225-seat auditorium and modern laboratories, the facility will serve as a venue for large lectures, community events, and collaborative research projects. It’s kind of like a community center where everyone comes together to exchange ideas and experiences.

Construction on the new academic building began in July 2024, with substantial completion expected in February 2026. As the building takes shape, it symbolizes the growth and momentum of Texas A&M University-Texarkana, which will soon attract, educate, and train talented students and graduates for generations to come.

Event Details:

  • What: Construction of the James C. Morriss Business, Engineering, and Technology Building
  • When: Construction began July 2024; Completion expected Spring 2026
  • Where: Texas A&M University-Texarkana, Southwest side of the campus
  • Cost: $45 million
Tomorrow we break ground on this amazing new facility! Join us on campus… | Texas A&M University-Texarkana

TAMUT Soccer Spring Combine

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On April 25 and 26, 2025, Texas A&M University-Texarkana will host the Spring Combine. The goal of this event is to find future Eagles to join the university’s women’s and men’s soccer teams for the 2025-26 season.

The event will begin on Friday, April 25 at 4 p.m. when participants will take a campus tour led by Coach Don Koontz. Starting at 5 p.m., there will be one-hour kicking and dribbling sessions, starting with the women’s Eagles.

On Saturday, the event will resume in the morning when the athletes will play for an hour on a reduced-size field, followed by lunch. And in the afternoon, there will be a regular 11-on-11 match between new players and current student-athletes.

All interested in participating in the event are invited. High school seniors, junior college students, and transfer students are also welcome. The event is free and those interested should bring materials to play such as shin guards, socks and soccer shoes. Uniforms will be provided each day. Registration is open and can be accessed through the link located on the Eagles’ Instagram profile: @tamut_msoc or @tamut_wsoc.

TAMUT’s Big Event

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On April 12, 2025, Texas A&M University-Texarkana hosts The Big Event. This annual tradition brings students, staff, alumni, and community members together to give back to Texarkana in a big way.

In 1982, this event began at Texas A&M University in College Station. The Big Event has become a local tradition since its debut at Texas A&M University-Texarkana in 2017. This event has made an impact on our community, with hundreds of volunteers dedicating thousands of service hours.

For the ones who like to do outside work, there are projects like cleaning up yards, detrashing the streets, and restoring parks that are right up your alley. For ones who want to be inside, nursing home visits and reading to the children are for you. It is an event for everyone.

All University students, staff, and alumni are encouraged to participate in this event. On the big day, volunteers will receive a Big Event t-shirt to wear. To participate, individuals and groups must register in advance. To form a group, please share your name with others for correct assignments. For more information and to register, visit the Texas A&M University website or click here for the form.

80th Annual Four States Fair & Rodeo Coming to Texarkana

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Texarkana, AR – The 80th Annual Four States Fair & Rodeo is set to take place April 4 through April 13, 2025, at the Four States Fairgrounds, featuring rides, live music, competitions, and family attractions.

The fair opens April 4 with the Monster Truck Mash, featuring massive trucks racing, jumping, and performing gravity-defying stunts. On April 5, the Demolition Derby will bring thrilling collisions as drivers compete to be the last vehicle running. The Four States Rodeo, scheduled for April 10–12, will feature bull riding, steer wrestling, and barrel racing, drawing top rodeo competitors from across the region.

In addition to major attractions, the fair will offer carnival rides, interactive games, live music, and exhibits highlighting farm animals, crafts, and local vendors. Fairgoers can also enjoy a wide selection of food, such as corn dogs, funnel cakes, and other treats.

For 80 years, the Four States Fair & Rodeo has been a Texarkana tradition, bringing together communities from Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma for entertainment, competition, and cultural celebration. This year’s event is expected to draw thousands of visitors.

General admission is $5 to $10, with separate tickets required for the rodeo, Monster Truck Mash, and Demolition Derby. Tickets can be purchased online at fourstatesfair.com or at the fairgrounds.

From AAA to D1: New Boston Running Back Ashton Rowden 

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The path from a small-town high school to the grand stage of Division I athletics is paved with dedication, resilience, and undeniable talent. Ashton Rowden, a standout running back for the New Boston Lions in New Boston, Texas, exemplifies this trajectory, rising from the competitive ranks of a AAA high school to earning a coveted scholarship at Texas Tech University. 

In reality AAA high schools around the country produce many D1 athletes in many sports. Rare, in the instance of Ashton Rowden, is a player in the local area making it to a D1 college. Tony Basso, Texarkana Gameday consultant, had this to say when asked about the rarity of the Ashton Rowden situation. “I would estimate that of all the football players in the last ten years, around one percent have had the opportunity to play D1 football.”

To reach D1 in any sport the players must be talented both on and off the field. Many high school athletes wish to play D1, but that it requires a certain kind of mentality. Tony Basso explains, “Playing division 1 football requires an athlete to be accountable, determined, coachable and self-aware, on top of possessing immense talent. High school athletes that reach division 1 level hold these qualities and a parallel mindset.” 

Ashton Rowden’s journey to Division I football is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and unwavering determination. While AAA schools regularly produce D1 athletes, his achievement stands out in his local area, where such opportunities are rare. Reaching this level demands more than just skill—it requires accountability, determination, and a disciplined mindset. Rowden’s success shows what it takes to compete at the highest collegiate level. 

Billie Eilish: A Journey Through Her Music and Style

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Billie Eilish: Tiny Desk Concert

Image: Billie Eilish: Tiny Desk Concert

Let’s be honest for a second. Billie Eilish has a whole vibe, and we can’t get enough of listening to her music repeatedly! If it’s the otherworldly beautiful “Happier Than Ever” or the raw, real “Everything I Wanted,” Billie’s songs hit us right in the feels.

But it’s not just the lyrics or the melodies that make her special, it’s the way she connects with us on a deeply personal level. Billie’s music feels like a soundtrack to our lives, whether we’re celebrating, grieving, or just existing. She gives us the space to feel everything, and let’s face it, we’re here for it!

So step back in time with us, Billie enthusiasts! When did you first hear Billie’s music, and what was it that made you feel? Was it “Bad Guy” blasting through your headphones and getting you addicted the second you heard it, or when you fell head over heels for her mellow tracks like “I Love You“? Tell us the moment you were a full-on Billie enthusiast in the comments below!

Can we discuss the visuals for a moment? Billie’s music videos are works of art! From the eerie, supernatural atmosphere of “Bury a Friend” to the otherworldly, minimalist beauty of “When The Party’s Over,” her videos transport us into her universe. The creativity and narrative in every video are unparalleled. And don’t even mention the fashion! Who else has tried to recreate her iconic looks? Because yes, we’re all trying to channel our inner Billie.

What stands out is her authenticity. Billie has always been unapologetically herself, embracing who she is without worrying about expectations. Whether it’s her unique fashion, her message of body positivity, or her raw honesty about mental health, she’s showing us that it’s okay to be real.

Now, who is looking forward to what’s next? Billie’s imagination has no limits, and we can only anticipate what she has in store for us next! Are you ready for some new music? What do you imagine she will venture into next with her career? Leave your speculations and get everyone hyped up about the next phase of Billie — we know it will be epic!

Embracing Local Art Through A Galaxy Far, Far Away

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For one night only, a galaxy far, far away wasn’t actually so far away. On November 23rd, 2024, the historic Perot Theatre hosted the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra for its live performance of composer John Williams’ iconic Star Wars: A New Hope soundtrack alongside a full screening of the film. The audience ranged from seasoned concert patrons to young children experiencing the magic of their first symphony performance. 

Once the audience members were seated, the theatre lights dimmed and the film’s initial scrolling text began on screen. Audiences were treated to a jaw-dropping display of musical prowess as the orchestra seamlessly brought John Williams’ renowned score to life, syncing every note with on-screen action.

If audiences hadn’t arrived at the show as fans of Star Wars or live music, the performers’ sweeping strings and all-encompassing brass ensembles certainly converted them by the end. The credits rolled on the two hour experience and the musicians performed their final piece for the night. The audience gave a well-deserved standing ovation, and as the event ended, it was clear that the show had succeeded in bringing a once-in-a-lifetime experience to its patrons.

The Perot Theatre hosts a variety of live performances for audiences of all ages. From musicals and game shows, to ballets and symphonies. If immersive experiences are something you’re interested in, you don’t have to travel far. Try supporting local artists and performers by attending one of the Perot’s upcoming events. 

What is Wellness Wednesdays?

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Texas A&M University – Texarkana (TAMUT) started a new initiative this semester to encourage students’ well-being. Wellness Wednesdays are a weekly event held by the Center for Financial Literacy and Investment (CFLI) meant to encourage students to focus on several factors of their health and wellness. These events hope through financial literacy, students will be more prepared for all aspects of life. Jay Davis, who oversees the CFLI, spoke about the program’s inception and future.

Davis is the Executive Director of Financial and Entrepreneurship Engagement at TAMUT. His main goal is to “empower students to take care of their finances.” This inspired the creation of Wellness Wednesdays, as the CFLI believes there’s a relationship between financial wellness and overall well-being. “We believe true financial health goes beyond just managing money – it’s about feeling secure, balanced, and empowered in all areas of your life,” he says.

Every week a different aspect of well-being is discussed. The seven types of wellness the program focuses on are emotional, physical, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, and of course, financial. There are presentations at 8:10 and 8:30 a.m. Even with the promise of free breakfast, Davis says it can be difficult persuading students to get out of bed and join. He says that the students that do show up have “overwhelmingly positive” feedback, and they “really seem to appreciate the relaxed come-and-go format.”

Davis explains how collaboration with other departments on campus has been huge for the program. The Patterson Center gave a presentation on physical wellness, and the Student Counseling Services discussed emotional wellness. Davis says these departments’ presentations were “incredibly insightful and well-received by our students.” He continues, “This collaborative approach not only enriches the content of Wellness Wednesdays but also strengthens the sense of community on campus.”

While the program is still in its infancy, Davis is already looking for ways to expand for the Spring 2025 semester. The first step is accessibility. In order to reach those students not willing to get up at eight in the morning, the program is considering adding a mid-afternoon presentation. On top of that he wants to “ramp up the fun” through interactive activities, guest speakers, and competitions featuring prizes. As he puts it, “We’re just getting started!”

The CFLI is not only looking to work with campus departments, but students as well. Davis says, “Next year we’re planning to take Wellness Wednesdays to the next level. But we need your help!” He implores anyone with suggestions on topics and speakers to email his department at cfli@tamut.edu. He also suggests students looking for more information on the CFLI and Wellness Wednesdays to visit www.tamut.edu/cfli. “While we might not have the same ring as ‘Taco Tuesday’, we hope ‘Wellness Wednesdays’ becomes a campus tradition!”

Reflecting on Brat Summer

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‘Brat’ has it all: versatility, vulnerability and Von Dutch! You might have seen Brat’s jarring bright neon green marketing campaign, perhaps as a meme, or more recently in Times Square. Brat could be considered Charli xcx’s breakthrough into the mainstream public’s consciousness, but quite frankly, there is nothing mainstream about it. Brat makes use of electronic production elements distant from the mainstream public perception of the pop genre. With its vulnerability and enthusiastic use of auto-tune, Brat is about being the life of the party, and the life after the party. If you, like me, are not familiar with Charli xcx I’ll tell you now that you’ll have to approach Brat with an open mind. Begin by disregarding the universal disapproval of auto-tune (and the British) and pay close attention to the lyrics.

You will be eased into the listening experience with a couple of dance tracks (360 and Club classics) before you hit the first round of unexpected introspection. ‘Sympathy is a knife’ for example, explores the nuance between being insecure while also being painfully self-aware – a double edged sword that paves the way to the following track. ‘I might say something stupid’ is a vulnerability statement where Charli briefly (but brutally) describes her feelings of isolation. However, it only takes her a couple more tracks to find herself hyped up again with ‘Von Dutch’, the perfect track to play at any stage of the party to maintain the high.

If you were worried that the album would be a constant up and down regarding introspection and hype songs, I’m pleased to introduce you to ‘Rewind’. A song that can be used double-time with 89 and 175 beats per minute, that reflects on all of the overthinking that comes along with a growing career, and the reminiscence of the days where it wasn’t there. In the same field, we can find an ‘Apple’. The viral song makes the perfect 15-second audio for a Tiktok, and it even has a dance to go with. The lyrics, however, are the star of the show. I think the apple’s rotten right to the core / From all the things passed down / From all the apples coming before / I split the apple down symmetrical lines / And what I find is kinda scary / Makes me just wanna drive. In case you had trouble understanding metaphors in your high school English class, the song attempts to understand generational trauma and navigating through the conflicting feelings that come along with that understanding. With these songs, the listening experience will depend on your mood. A personal recommendation is to not pay too much attention to the lyrics if you’re at the gym because you might get existential on a random Tuesday night.

Other highlights of the album are ‘Everything is romantic’, ‘So I’, ‘Girl, so confusing’ and ‘I think about it all the time’. These tracks showcase Xcx’s songwriting versatility, exploring themes like grief, romance, doubt, and even the contemplation of motherhood.

The closing track, ‘365’, makes cocaine fashionable again just in time for you to decide it’s not worth it. If you want to replicate the feeling, play the remix album ‘Brat and It’s Completely Different but Also Still Brat’.

The Roma Italian Restaurant Experience

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Dining at an Italian restaurant is more than a meal – it’s an all-encompassing experience. It’s the first bite of fresh pasta with house-made sauce. It’s the glow of intimate, ambient lighting. A quiet serenade by Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin in the background. The unintelligible chatter of happy guests with full bellies. The pop of a bottle. A clink of some glasses. This is what dinner at an Italian restaurant means to me. Unfortunately, this is not the experience I received at Roma Italian restaurant.

I visited the Texarkana, Arkansas restaurant on a Saturday night around 7:00pm – this is a prime time for most restaurants. Well, this was not the case for Roma. Aside from myself and the two others in my party, there were only about 10 to 15 diners in the restaurant. I chalked it up to the restaurant’s location. Roma is – I’ll say – locationally challenged. It’s a bit out of the way for most locals (an 18-minute drive from my Texarkana home).

My party was seated immediately and the first thing I heard was, well, nothing. It was nearly silent in the dining area. So, were we supposed to sit around and listen to each other chew? I would’ve given my right hand for some smooth jazz in the background. Okay, maybe not my right hand; marinara sauce and a non-dominant hand is a recipe for disaster. Nevertheless, it was much too quiet in there.

The place was appropriately lit and impeccably clean. It just felt empty. Sure, there were plenty of tables and chairs, but the restaurant lacked energy, warmth, and ambiance (all of which caused major point deductions in my book).

Our server introduced herself in a flash. Within five minutes of being seated, there was cold water and warm bread on the table. It was showtime – alcohol orders. My table and I decided to share a bottle of prosecco (a necessity when dining at an Italian restaurant). We made our drink request and sat on the edges of our seats, awaiting the pop and clink that were sure to kick-start our dining experience.

Out came our prosecco. The moment the bottle was opened, the cork ricocheted at rocket speed against the ceiling, onto an occupied table, and then (probably) to the floor. What should have been a pop turned into a pop, bang, clash, “Is everyone okay???” I don’t actually know where the projectile cork finally landed. I’m just glad nobody lost an eye – or a right hand.

Our wait staff reined in the chaos, checked on everyone, and we all had a good laugh. No one was hurt, the bottle was unscathed, and we did get to hear the anticipated pop (even if it was accompanied by some extra sounds). Plus, we still had a clink in our immediate future.

To our dismay, the waitstaff sat before us three wine glasses – just generic, round wine glasses. My party and I exchanged glances. Maybe we’re just drinkware snobs, but shouldn’t prosecco be served in a flute? No? Just me? We clink-ed anyway and moved on. It was time to place our food orders. 

Our server recommended the alfredo sauce; she said it’s homemade and unbeatable. We were sold. One person in my party ordered the shrimp and scallop alfredo, another had the pasta combo, and I had the lobster ravioli. Where should I begin?

The lobster ravioli was alright. It consisted of ravioli, lobster tail, and a pink sauce. The ravioli was cooked well (there’s not much worse than overcooked pasta). Given that we’re 300 miles from the nearest coast, the lobster tail was alright. It was in sizeable chunks and the texture was as expected for the average nowhere-near-the-ocean lobster. It was chewy but not rubbery. The star of this dish was the pink sauce – a mix of both tomato and cream sauces. It was warm, acidic, creamy, slightly sweet, and slightly spicy. It tasted exactly how a tomato and cream sauce should taste. For $15.99 and a decent one-person portion, this dish is okay.

My party and I had high hopes for the pasta combo. It included lasagna, manicotti, spinach ravioli, tortellini, and ziti, with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. We thought this would be a great opportunity to try multiple dishes in one – and it was exactly that. The mix of pastas arrived all together on one big plate, covered by a cohesive layer of cheese and marinara. Did the sauce and pasta taste alright? Yes. Did we dig around in marinara like archaeologists attempting to unearth and identify remains? Also yes. We couldn’t tell where the lasagna ended and the manicotti began. Despite the extra work, it all tasted okay. The marinara was average and tasted like a seasoned tomato – exactly what it is. The pasta combo is $15.99 and does require some mild disassembly.

Now onto the long-awaited alfredo. Our expectations were through the roof. The shrimp and scallop alfredo contained shrimp, scallops, fettuccine pasta, and Roma’s homemade alfredo sauce. The shrimp was fine. The fettuccine pasta was al dente, as I like it. Where this dish began to exponentially decline was the scallops, which nearly gave me nightmares. The only way I can describe how they felt in my mouth was mush. The consistency of the scallop was atrocious, and the taste was almost as bad. It was generically fishy. It tasted as if someone had boarded a commercial fishing boat, scraped some ambiguous lump off the deck, and tossed it into this dish. I couldn’t even enjoy the homemade alfredo, as the piscatorial essence had seeped into it as if through ill-meaning osmosis. So, if you want to avoid having fishy flashbacks and hearing fog horns in your dreams, steer clear of this $17.99 dish.

I decided to end on a good note and order the tiramisu for dessert. It was like most things at Roma – just okay. It was served cold and cut into a perfect square. It tasted like a classic (but a bit dry) tiramisu – chocolate, coffee, and mascarpone. $5.99 feels fair enough for this dish.   

By the time dessert was done, the slim attendance at the restaurant had further lessened. Our bottle was finished, our glasses were empty, and the ambiance was still nonexistent. There were no more pops or clinks (or bangs, ouches, or cracks) to be heard. Our server, who had been attentive and friendly all evening, brought us the check. We tipped her well, of course. After all, I’m sure she wasn’t directly responsible for the mystery mollusks we had been served moments earlier. So, to sum it up: Roma overall is okay. The environment lacks ambiance, the waitstaff is wonderful, and the food is decent. Just avoid ordering seafood lest you fall victim to the sinister shellfish and its questionable composition.