Category Archives: Events

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.

100 days until Graduation: Money Management post-graduation

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Graduation 2022 is coming upon us this winter as our seniors get prepared with caps, gowns, and more. I am one of the several students that will graduate this year. Many seniors will have a lot of plans. However, they may not know the importance of keeping finances in check. Otherwise, the future will likely promise slim chances of sustaining aspiring careers besides the increases of life’s calamities. That is why this ongoing event will provide insight and support towards life after graduation.

The 100 days until graduation event involves a social meeting between graduates of two semesters and the host, Dr. Juan R. Castro. Dr. Castro is the executive director of the CBET. The meeting shows us how to correctly manage money after graduation along with supporting details to aid us with this new pursuit.

Here are the 4 main tactics for currency management in the most secure and beneficial ways:

  1. Building a Positive Net Worth
  2. Emergency Fund
  3. Control and save the expenses
  4. Learn to Invest’

Net worth is the total amount for an individual and such, with reporting of assets and liabilities included. Liabilities are what you owe from your properties or assets. In turn, the knowledge of what you have and owe makes out the budget, describing the possible net worth. One aid to prevent any disastrous outcomes is too not buy expensive goods like glamorous cars. Having this kind of luxury will guarantee in owing much more than its base price. We would not go far with other financial goals if buying an expensive car is a part of the plan. It may sound depressing, but it is much better to be stable than regretful with that irresistible mistake.

If any disasters occur even if the finances are efficiently managed, be prepared with emergency funds. With those funds, there is coverage for any damages such as job loss, sudden health expenditures, and replacing household necessities. Plus, it further supports financial security and stability.

A quote to recall from the event: “Remember, the poor is not the one who has little, but the one who needs a lot.” Regarding sustainability of money, poor is the one who spends more of their income. If anyone is not in control of their debt or their spending, this error will run your life. It is best to focus on the expenditures while overseeing how much is spent.

It is important to build an investment. There are four common misconceptions and mistakes that will trample stability if a young graduate is careless.

  1. It is easy for a prime adult to ponder about retirement near the end of their careers. But withholding the idea for that long period is likely to stop the contentment of maintaining the lifestyle when reaching senior age. Instead, they need to think about retirement while they are still working, even if it sounds too early. 2. There should be a plan for investment. Otherwise investing is just a fleeting thought. 3.When a graduate begins the plan, start gradually to attain knowledge so the process is proper. It is advised not to jump into the plan without learning anything. 4. Lastly, pay attention to retirement accounts while working your career. Ignoring them is another determent in the retirement plan.

Those are the most integral points that I wanted to discuss from the lecture. All of this may seem a lot to take in yet learning how to use your money along with managing it is more than helpful when going out into the world after graduation.

Veterans Service Center wins Education Excellence Award in 2022

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Recently, Texas A & M University-Texarkana has received the Education Excellence Award granted by the Texas Veterans Commission. For this university, the award is for outstanding services provided by the Veterans Services Center. State Governor Greg Abbott selected 17 institutions to obtain the achievement. The award is based on the extent of the providing aids and services while also assorted on three rankings. The University managed to receive the silver rank of the award in 2022.

The Texas Veterans Commission has provided service and advocation to the veterans of the state to improve their lives. It also performs as the State Approving Authority under the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ jurisdiction. SSA verifies that educational foundations and its employers agree with federal guidelines and are certified for teaching through a process.

Robert Hernandez oversees the Veterans Center at the University. He is a veteran from the United States Air Force for 30 years. Like his fellow employees, Hernandez strives to make sure a veteran and their peers get the best support for their education.

Young militants struggle to get themselves into a normal stature after serving their time supporting the country. Even veterans’ families had to contribute to the military efforts. Therefore, the transition from the military and into education can be difficult.

            The Center’s jobs range from assisting the veterans to transition from the military and into the campus. Robert Hernandez has said “In the Veteran Services Center, we try our best to give back to those that gave so much for our nation”. Even if these students do not come daily all the time, the service job is always on the watch for them. From admissions to graduation, the Veteran’s center will make sure that militant students are able to get the best experience while acquiring education.

             The Veteran Service Center motto, “Let us serve you” shows appreciation to the students along with perseverance to aid them. Plus, it adds to the willingness of using the most needed resources for the student’s guidance through university livelihood. The Silver Award in Education Excellence is undeniable proof that the Center and its people do their jobs at their very best.

An Insight into Software Engineering

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Cadarius Williams is a senior at Texas A & M University-Texarkana who aspires to be a Software Engineer. Beforehand, he will study to gain interview experience and build connections for his career in computer science. The experiences for him at the University are content because the campus holds decent infrastructure along with more connection between the faculty and students than some universities. As Cadarius says, “You are not just a number, you are a name.”

Software Engineering involves building functional operating systems for technical devices such as laptops and cellphones. The evolution of this occupation has come a long way. The ideas of this profession started with the invention of massively scaled computers. After a long measure of time,designs expanded into advanced systems now accessible as small handheld devices. Furthermore, the progression of time has allowed ideas that were limited in the past to advance with extensive inspection and development of application frameworks.

In further discussion, technology such as robotics and Artificial Intelligence must be examined in simulation before further progress. Without the human effort or observation of technology such as A.I., the newest systems will not perform correctly. Because of Williams’ determination to be a software engineer, advanced technology is further acclaimed. It is astonishing that more students like him will manage applications in addition to creating them in the future.

Big Day of Thanks

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Have you ever considered giving back to your community? Since 1982, the Texas A&M community in College Station, Texas has hosted what they call “The Big Event,” a volunteering effort that aims to lend a hand to a community that supports the university each and every day. Some efforts include raking yards, cleaning streets, visiting nursing homes, walking dogs, and so much more.

            In April of 2017, Texas A&M University – Texarkana (TAMUT) hosted its very own first annual Big Event with the tagline – Eagle Pride City Wide. The introductory event provided over 200 volunteers that clocked almost 1,000 hours of community service. This year’s Big Event is scheduled for April 9, 2022.

            Registration is now open to current, former, and future students, faculty, alumni, student family members, and community members not affiliated with TAMUT. If you would like more information on The Big Event, or want to sign up to volunteer, or have a project in mind for the TAMUT community, please visit The Big Event.

Ice, Ice, Maybe

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Thursday, February 3rd, the city of Texarkana was expecting freezing rain and heavy snow. In preparation, the city covered roads and bridges with brine. Residents’ stocked food pantries with water and essentials. Most schools or businesses closed until further notice. “Out of an abundance of caution the Texas A&M University campus will be closed,” John Bunch, Tamut Communications Manager, said. Everyone hunkered down isolated, in their homes or dorms, and prepared for the worst. 

Texarkana was prepared and was due to what happened around this time last year. February 2021 was a chilling experience for Texans. Heavy snow obstructed many businesses and slippery ice made roads hazardous. Most people were trapped in their homes. In some severe cases, the power would go out or pipes inside the home would burst due to lack of insulation. 8 million people were under a boil water notice. Countless families would be without central heating or running water. Since most wouldn’t be able to go out they wouldn’t be able to buy groceries or drinkable water. The winter storm that occurred last year resulted in the deaths of 58 people. In Texas alone, there were at least 30 reported deaths.

However, all that happened was very cold rain. Was Texarkana prepared this year? Absolutely. It demonstrated the common phrase “It’s better to be safe than sorry.” Texarkana showed that it cares for its residents and is equipped for anything the weather has to offer. 

Texarkana Selected to Participate In DHS Collegiate End Violence Challenge

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Texarkana is one of a select group of schools throughout the country invited to participate this spring term in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Collegiate End Violence Challenge. DHS exists to promote end violence and terrorism and to unify. Students in the Marketing Promotions class have created an in-class working marketing agency. Eagle ISite, responsible for researching, implementing, and evaluating an integrated marketing campaign aimed at educating and informing their local campus about the benefits of unifying our campus to end violence and terrorism. Each participating campus will be competing for the chance to present their creative ideas to industry leaders from DHS at the terms conclusion.  

As part of the DHS Collegiate End Violence Challenge, students from Texas A&M – Texarkana have a rare opportunity to put their education to work in the real world for a national organization. Students will create and implement an integrated marketing campaign for their client, using research surveys and other tools to learn more about DHS’s target audiences. After the students have analyzed their research findings, they will then create and implement their strategy to raise awareness of the benefits of unifying students against violence and terrorism. DHS trains how to collect, analyze threats, share information and this project would work in tandem with students. Students will receive a $2,000 budget to help them bring their plans to life. At the end of the term, students will measure their success through follow-up research and give a formal presentation to the client summarizing their campaign and results. 

“This is a project that allows us to put our knowledge into a real-life experience.” said Jan Johnson, the student agency co-leader. 

The Eagleisite team will host a table this Saturday, April 24th, at 1pm at Bramlett Field at Spring Lake Park. There will be giveaways and snacks will be provided. Watch for more information about the DHS Collegiate End Violence Challenge at Texas A&M- Texarkana on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. For further inquiries regarding the Texas A&M – Texarkana project, please contact Dina Calhoun, the Public Relations department head, at 903-794.6201 or pr.eagleisite@gmail.com. 

About the Department of Homeland Security: (DHS) exists to promote.  The Department of Homeland Security has a vital mission: to secure the nation from the many threats we face. This requires the dedication of more than 240,000 employees in jobs that range from aviation and border security to emergency response, from cybersecurity analyst to chemical facility inspector. Our duties are wide-ranging, and our goal is clear – keeping America safe. Find out more at www.dhs.org.

About EdVenture Partners: EdVentures Partners is an organization dedicated to developing innovative industry-education partnerships programs. The objective of such programs is to provide hands-on, real-world experience to students in tandem with providing marketing solutions and recruiting access at colleges and universities to clients. EdVentures Partners has designed and managed programs at over 1,000 campuses in North America and internationally. Find out more at www.edventurepartners.com.