SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 552

WHEREAS, April 8, 2019, is Texas A&M University--Texarkana Day at the State Capitol, and this occasion provides a fitting opportunity to recognize this notable institution; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1971 as East Texas State University--Texarkana, the school hosted upper-division and graduate courses on the campus of Texarkana College; Texas A&M University--Texarkana became a member of The Texas A&M University System in 1996, and subsequently, the state legislature passed a bill enabling it to extend instruction to the freshman and sophomore levels; and

WHEREAS, The university began its transition to the 375-acre Bringle Lake campus in 2008 with the completion of a building to serve students in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; two years later, the University Center opened and the first freshman class enrolled; campus life was enhanced by the addition of a residence hall and intercollegiate athletics, including soccer, tennis, and baseball; in 2016, the university launched its first doctoral program, in Education Leadership, and construction was recently completed on two new buildings, a recreation and wellness center and an academic and student services facility; and

WHEREAS, Today, Texas A&M University--Texarkana offers 24 undergraduate and 13 graduate degree programs; the university's graduate nursing program was ranked among the 50 best in the nation by TopMastersInHealthcare.com, and the school was recognized for having one of the best online MBA programs by GradSource.com; with a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, the university supports personalized instruction in smaller classes and promotes frequent opportunities for interaction with professors; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, Texas A&M University--Texarkana has undergone significant expansion while continuing to emphasize student engagement in a close-knit community, and its commitment to academic excellence has encouraged countless young Texans to set and reach higher educational goals; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby recognize April 8, 2019, as Texas A&M University--Texarkana Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for an informative and enjoyable stay in Austin. Hughes

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 8, 2019.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate