Responding to the increased demand for business and technology-related degrees, Texas A&M is embarking on a monumental project: the construction of a cutting-edge $45 million facility. Scheduled for a groundbreaking event on May 30, the campus of Texas A&M Texarkana is set to witness the inception of this new academic building.
Spanning three stories and covering over 50,000 square feet, the new structure will be strategically positioned on the southwest side of the university’s grounds. A key feature of the design is its connectivity, as it will seamlessly link the existing science and technology buildings via elevated walkways on the second and third floors.
The primary objective behind this ambitious endeavor is to accommodate the growing demand for business and technology-related education. Within its walls, the facility will host the Center for Financial Literacy and Investment, along with an array of laboratories dedicated to mechanical engineering and design. Additionally, it will boast a sizable 255-seat lecture hall/auditorium, poised to facilitate large lectures and various events.
Acknowledging the pivotal role played by governmental support, President Dr. Ross Alexander extends gratitude to the state legislature, particularly Rep. Gary VanDeaver and Sen. Bryan Hughes, for providing the funding that made this visionary project possible. Furthermore, the unwavering support of Chancellor Sharp and the A&M System Board of Regents is recognized as instrumental in realizing the university’s aspirations.
Dr. Melinda Arnold, the provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, underscores the transformative potential of the new facility. Emphasizing the opportunities for interdisciplinary study and research, she envisions the creation of synergies that will propel the fields of business, engineering, and technology forward. This, she believes, will not only facilitate state-of-the-art learning but also cultivate a pipeline of workforce-ready professionals to serve businesses in East Texas and beyond.
The genesis of this groundbreaking endeavor traces back to the 87th legislative session in 2021, where funding for the construction was secured, signaling a significant investment in the future of education and innovation.
