After ushering ‘phenomenal growth,’ Tarleton president plans to go back to teaching
Tarleton State University president F. Dominic Dottavio is stepping down from his post at the end of August, but his connection with the institution isn’t over.
Dottavio, who has served as president for 11 years, will be a faculty member in Tarleton’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He holds an appointment as a tenured professor there, according to a press release.
“It has been a great honor to serve this dynamic and innovative university as its 15th president and a privilege to work alongside dedicated and talented faculty and staff who share a commitment to our core values and a passion for student success,” Dottavio said in the press release.
“Together, with the support of The Texas A&M University System, we have positioned Tarleton for the next great chapter of its history,” Dottavio said.
Tarleton’s main campus is in Stephenville, about 60 miles southwest of Fort Worth. The university is part of the A&M System.
The A&M System is already searching for a new president for the university.
Under Dottavio’s guidance, Tarleton experienced “phenomenal growth” across the board — from student enrollment to academic programs to physical facilities, according to the university.
Enrollment grew 69 percent from 7,756 students to 13,122, according to the university. High-demand academic programs are offered in Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and Bryan through partnerships with other colleges and universities.
“Dominic Dottavio is one of the best presidents of any university in the state,” said Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp in a press release. “He has given us more than a decade of exceptional service and leadership, inspiring, encouraging and engaging others to do more and become more. Dominic is an influential and enthusiastic leader.”
Dottavio’s tenure also ushered much growth of its Fort Worth programs. Tarleton opens the first building of its planned Fort Worth campus in August. The current Fort Worth campus is located in rented building on Camp Bowie W. Boulevard.
“Tarleton has offered degree programs in Fort Worth for more than 40 years, but now, thanks to the vision and hard work of so many, we are putting down roots with a permanent home,” Dottavio said. “Our Fort Worth campus is a testament to our vision of becoming a premier student-focused university in Texas and beyond. It will expand access and opportunities for students and prepare a stronger workforce for area business and industry.”
The new building sits on 80 acres near Chisholm Trail Parkway and Old Grandbury Road. Business, nursing and doctoral students in criminal justice will be among students attending that facility, said Cecilia Jacobs, a spokeswoman for the university.
Tarleton offers about 40 degree programs in Fort Worth.
The second phase of the campus will accommodate an enrollment of about 6,000 students. Construction plans are under way.
The Fort Worth campus is described as a “degree completion campus,” Jacobs said. That means that students arrive after they have already completed about 30 credit hours from institutions such as Tarrant County College or Weatherford College, she said.
