Texas A&M University-Texarkana will have a groundbreaking ceremony for two new buildings – a student recreation and wellness center and an academic and student success building – on Tuesday, June 7, at 4 p.m. on the A&M-Texarkana campus at 7101 University Ave., Texarkana, Texas.

The $32 million, 58,000-square-foot academic and student success building will house a recently expanded nursing program, business programs, academic classrooms, laboratories and support services for students. The building will accommodate enrollment growth, particularly in science and health-affiliated disciplines that require specialized laboratory space. The project was made possible through the approval of funding by the 84th Texas Legislature in 2015.

The $11 million, 38,000-square-foot student recreation and wellness center will be the home of the university’s new kinesiology program, a regulation-sized intercollegiate basketball/volleyball court that will double as space for recreational and intercollegiate sports, retractable bleachers, classrooms, locker rooms, a training room for student-athletes, and offices for faculty and staff. Through a public-private partnership, Eagle Lake Development of Texarkana, Texas, is working with A&M-Texarkana on construction of the center. A&M-Texarkana is raising funds to furnish and equip the building.

Speakers will include Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Joe Straus of San Antonio, Texas, Rep. Gary VanDeaver of New Boston, Texas, A&M University System Regent Judy Morgan of Texarkana, Texas, A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp of College Station, Texas, and A&M-Texarkana President Dr. Emily Cutrer.

“We owe a great deal of thanks to the Texas Legislature and the Texarkana community for making these new buildings possible,” said Chancellor Sharp. “With these additions, Texas A&M University-Texarkana will provide even better service to its students, teachers, researchers, and community members on what will be the most beautiful campus in Northeast Texas.”

“These two buildings will usher in a new era of excellence for the university and are the next steps in our Eagle Evolution in support of community and economic development in the Texarkana region,” said Dr. Cutrer. “We welcome the entire community to the groundbreaking ceremony and look forward to a wonderful afternoon celebrating our students and our community.”

The groundbreaking will be located on the lawn adjacent to the University Center, and parking will be available in the lot near the Science and Technology Center.

About Texas A&M University-Texarkana
As a member of The Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M University-Texarkana is a comprehensive regional university that provides students with academically challenging, engaging and rewarding educational experiences through quality teaching, scholarship, student support services, co-curricular programming, research and service.

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