Monthly Archives: April 2025

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!