A&M-Texarkana Aligning Academic Programming with Needs of Local Business and Industry

TEXARKANA, Texas – Texas A&M University-Texarkana is growing. Every measurable statistic will bear that out, as will even a casual glance around campus. The first two phases of an innovative new student housing community have been finished and are already filled with students. Construction is well under way on the new 50,000 square foot James C. Morriss Business, Engineering, and Technology Building. New athletic facilities are coming soon, and the University is preparing to announce an unprecedented growth in enrollment.

Behind all the excitement around new housing, new buildings, new athletic teams, and record enrollment lies the primary reason for growth…the University’s commitment to providing students a world-class education that leads directly to high-paying jobs with little to no student debt. A significant part of that commitment is constantly evaluating the University’s academic offerings to make sure students have access to the kinds of degree programs employers value.

To that end, the University works closely with local business, industry, and economic development officials to discover what degrees are most needed before adding or expanding academic programming.

“A&M-Texarkana has integrated itself into the economic development efforts at TexAmericas Center (TAC) by intentionally including some of our Executive Staff in their program development efforts, strategic planning activities, and Advisory Boards,” said Scott Norton, TAC Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer. “Additionally, TAMUT is actively involved in meetings at TAC related to the expansion of existing businesses and the recruitment of new business and industry to the region, therefore allowing them to hear firsthand from these business leaders about their specific workforce needs both now and in the future. As a result, we have seen the development of new programs at TAMUT to meet the needs of current and future business and industry at TAC and throughout the region.”

“It is imperative that our academic offerings align with the workforce needs of our community, region, and beyond,” said A&M-Texarkana President Dr. Ross Alexander. “We want our students to be day one ready to take high-paying jobs after graduation, and we want those jobs to be here. You’ll continue to see A&M-Texarkana launch new and exciting academic programs in the areas of business, engineering, finance, and health care.”

Two examples of new academic programming include Computer Engineering and Civil Engineering, which officially launched with the Fall 2025 academic term, as well as certificate programs in Pulp and Paper Technology and CAD (computer-aided design). These programs were developed after meetings with local industry leaders who indicated that these fields are and will continue to be in high demand. Another example of a much-needed program is the 100% online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. While the BBA is not new, this marks the first time it can be completed entirely online, making the program much more practical for people already working full-time.

“We are very excited to launch these new programs that were specifically designed to address local workforce needs and thus align perfectly with the mission and vision of the University,” said Dr. Jim Worthen, A&M-Texarkana Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs.

“In today’s economic environment, the communities that will win and keep winning are those where academic institutions work hand in hand with industry,” said Rob Sitterley, President and CEO of AR-TX Regional Economic Development, Inc. “At AR-TX REDI, we view Texas A&M University Texarkana as a strategic partner in every sense. When the University responds to the needs of local employers and national site selectors, it becomes a powerful driver of talent development, business retention, and investment attraction. That kind of alignment does not just support growth. It propels it.”

For additional information about academic programming at Texas A&M University-Texarkana or to apply please visit www.tamut.edu.