Stories of impact powered by your generosity.
From Tarleton State roots to lasting impact, the McLemores invest in the future.
How the Faulkenberrys are shaping futures across Tarleton State.
$1 MILLION+ RAISED FROM 800 GIFTS.
Real stories. Real students. Real impact — because of you.
Together, the Tarleton State community turned record-breaking growth into expanded opportunity, access and impact for every student
Earlier this month, we hosted Giving Week at Tarleton State, a week driven by a shared love for our university and a commitment to changing students’ lives through generosity.
We anticipated that this Giving Week would be historic, but once again, our Texan community surpassed our expectations by raising over $1 million from 800 gifts. This marks an 82% increase from last year, and a 300% increase from 2024.
As the fastest-growing public university in Texas, Tarleton
State is ensuring every student feels the impact of your generosity.
Thank you to everyone who made a gift during Giving Week 2026. You made history, shaped futures and proved what it truly means to be a Tarleton State Texan.
Scan to watch a special Giving Week message from Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley.
“This is a great time to do something. To step up and give back to the university that got you to the place you are today. It doesn’t have to be a lot. It could be as simple as getting to know some students.”
- DOUG MCLEMORE '90
The McLemores’ commitment to Tarleton State reflects a deep belief in the power of community, connection and student success
Doug McLemore, founder of McLemore Financial Group, credits much of his professional success to the foundation he built at Tarleton State University. As a student, he developed not only the knowledge, but also the relationships and perspective that would shape his path as a business owner and community leader.
Doug and his wife, Dr. Emily McLemore — Director of Global Initiatives at Tarleton State — have made supporting the university a central part of their lives. Their commitment to giving grew even stronger when their middle daughter enrolled at Tarleton State, prompting them to become more intentional in their philanthropy through the Texan Excellence Fund and Team Tarleton.
Through both personal and professional efforts, the McLemores have created meaningful opportunities for students. McLemore Financial Group regularly hires Tarleton State students as interns, reflecting Doug’s belief that investing in students is one of the most impactful ways to strengthen both the university and the broader community.
Their support extends across campus life. Doug and Emily are proud supporters of Tarleton State’s women’s basketball, indoor volleyball, beach volleyball, and tennis programs and they frequently open their home to student-athletes — building
relationships that go far beyond financial contributions. They also support KTRL, Tarleton State’s public radio station, the ULTRA Club and the Honors College study abroad program.
Emily’s role at Tarleton State offers a unique perspective on the student experience, while Doug sees firsthand the talent and work ethic students bring into the professional world. Together, they are united by a shared commitment to engagement, mentorship and giving back.
As parents of three daughters, the McLemores are intentional about modeling a life of involvement and generosity. Their continued investment in Tarleton State reflects not only gratitude for what the university has given them, but also a commitment to ensuring future generations of students have the same opportunities to learn, grow and succeed.
Through their leadership and generosity, Doug and Emily McLemore exemplify the spirit of Tarleton State — demonstrating how meaningful engagement can leave a lasting impact on both students and the university.
Thanks to donor-funded scholarships, Shelby Perrenoud is excelling at Tarleton State and preparing to make a lasting impact in healthcare
By Abigail Middleton Student Worker, Development Communications and Content Creation
Shelby Perrenoud, a native of Johnson City, TX, is currently pursuing a degree in biomedical science with a pre-dental concentration at Tarleton State University. She initially chose Tarleton State because she believed the transition from a small-town environment to a college town would be more manageable.
Throughout her time at Tarleton State, Perrenoud has received the Mr. & Mrs. WK Gordon, Jr PVHS Scholarship, the Presidential Guaranteed Scholarship, the Honors Degree Program Scholarship, the Provost’s Honors Scholarship and Dr. Dennis P. McCabe Scholarship. These scholarships have impacted Perrenoud by alleviating the stress of having to work through school or take out loans. Because of scholarships, Perrenoud has been able to focus primarily on her studies and work only on weekends to save for graduate school.
Perrenoud has also been able to devote more time to serving the community. She
has volunteered with Tarleton Round up, Stephenville TreeHouse after school program and the one she is proudest of, Texas Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic.
On campus, Perrenoud currently serves as president of Alpha Epsilon Delta, Tarleton State’s pre-health honors society. Perrenoud enjoys serving this organization because it has given her many opportunities she would not have had otherwise, and now as president, she gets to help freshmen who are in the same position she once was.
Perrenoud will graduate this May with a 4.0 GPA before continuing her academic journey to dental school, where she plans to pursue a doctorate in dental surgery. She hopes to complete a residency in specialty orthodontics.
“Receiving these scholarships have opened up opportunities to serve the community. Without the help of them, I would have to delegate my time to other financial endeavors.”
– SHELBY PERRENOUD '26 Senior, Biomedical Science
Stay connected with Tarleton State Giving by following us on Facebook and LinkedIn for the latest updates, opportunities to get involved and inspiring donor and student impact stories.
“It might be, monetarily, a small thing, but monetary value doesn’t equal impact. It might have been the one thing that a student needed at that time."
- DR. THOMAS FAULKENBERRY
“I think the most important legacy for me would be for the students to feel included to feel like they belong in this space, to feel supported and nurtured, and to see this as a safe space for them."
- DR. EILEEN FAULKENBERRY
Leading by example through service, mentorship and giving back
By Abigail Middleton Student Worker, Development Communications and Content Creation
Although Dr. Thomas (Tom) Faulkenberry and his wife, Dr. Eileen Faulkenberry, began their academic careers at another institution within the Texas A&M system, it was at Tarleton State University that they truly found their home.
The opportunity to join the Tarleton State family came in 2013 when a connection they both made at Mathematical Association of America meetings told them there was one position open in the Mathematics Department.
Tom and Eileen had always said that if they ever had the opportunity to work at Tarleton State, they would take it. So, both applied for that same position. It was Eileen who ended up getting the job, but Tarleton State found a way to create a job for Tom in the Psychology Department. Today, Eileen is a professor of mathematics and the Dean of Tarleton State’s Honors College, and Tom is a professor of Psychology and the Dean of Tarleton State’s College of Graduate Studies. Both are committed to making our university a place where students can be supported, empowered and succeed in all they do.
Eileen is dedicated to teaching her students in ways that are complex yet meaningful, while Tom works to teach his students to do hard things while helping to grow the
Psychology Department. In recent years, he has helped expand its master’s program and develop a Ph.D. program.
The legacy Tom and Eileen are building at Tarleton State goes beyond the way they teach and lead; it also represents how they give back to the university. Having both earned their degrees without debt, they know how valuable scholarships are. As a result, they try to contribute to a variety of scholarships that give other students similar opportunities.
The Faulkenberry’s generosity also extends to the Dean’s circles. As dean of the College of Graduate Studies, Tom has seen contributions made through this fund provide a student with all that they need to finish strong.
They have included their whole family in their efforts to give back to the university. They hope to lead by example and teach that support doesn’t have to be a lot. It doesn’t even have to be monetary. It could be someone’s time or talents, and as long as you give what you can, it’s enough.
From research to service, Gus Allen’s journey reflects the lifechanging impact of donor-funded scholarships at Tarleton State
By Abigail Middleton Student Worker, Development Communications and Content Creation
Attending medical school has been a goal of Gus Allen’s ever since his grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. Inspired by the exceptional care his grandfather received, he decided to pursue a career in medicine.
A native of Coleman, Texas, Allen is currently a senior biomedical science major at Tarleton State University, concentrating in pre-med with a minor in chemistry. He is also an active member in Alpha Epsilon Delta, Tarleton State’s pre-health honors society, and conducting his own research.
However, his path through college wasn’t always so smooth. When Allen first came to Tarleton State, he was very intimidated, and he sometimes felt like he would never fit in. Everything was just very stressful. Luckily, he had been chosen as the recipient of the Dick Smith College of Science and Mathematics Scholarship, and the President’s Guaranteed Scholarship. These scholarships relieved his financial stress, enabling
him to find his place. With these scholarships, he was able to grow throughout college, learning from his mistakes and striving to do better each time. This growth led to a highly competitive MCAT score on his second attempt, a marked improvement from his first. He also had the life-changing opportunity to work with Habitat for Humanity, helping build a home for a mother and her daughter with special needs.
Following graduation, Allen will attend Texas A&M University’s Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine, where he will continue his journey toward a career in family medicine.
“I’m forever in the donor’s debt really, just because it’s allowed the finical stress to be less of a worry. I’m allowed to focus more on school, research, work, and a lot of other aspects of college that have made my time here at Tarleton State really fun and unforgettable.”
– GUS ALLEN '26 Senior, Biomedical Science
“The scholarships I have been awarded have allowed me to pursue this dream with focus and determination. They not only ease the financial burden of my education but enable me to dedicate myself fully to preparing for a career in medicine. One where I can continue the example of service and compassion set by my grandfather.”
–
MCKENNA RICE '27 Junior, Biomedical Science
Carrying forward a family tradition of service, McKenna Rice is turning opportunity into impact through medicine
By Abigail Middleton Student Worker, Development Communications and Content Creation
McKenna Rice, a junior studying biomedical science with a concentration in pre-med and a minor in neuroscience has the goal of becoming an emergency medicine physician and comes from a family of heroes. She is driven by the legacy of her grandfather, a Vietnam War hero. Originally drafted as a medic, her grandfather saved countless lives while serving and was awarded the ARCOM Medal for his bravery. His legacy of strength and kindness is one Rice will continue to follow as she builds her career.
It is the scholarships Rice received from Tarleton State University that have allowed her to pursue her dream with as much focus and determination as she has. Not only do they ease the financial burden, but they allow her to dedicate herself fully to the preparation of her career. They have enabled her to serve as Vice President of Alpha Epsilon Delta, Tarleton State’s pre-health honors society, and to participate in Pathways
to Neuroscience last year, where she had the opportunity to travel to Texas A&M and conduct research with their Institute for Neuroscience.
Rice is the recipient of the Tarleton Academic Scholarship, the Guaranteed Scholarship Program, the Dick Smith College of Science and Mathematics Scholarship and the Joe and Teresa Long College of Science and Technology Scholarship.
Because of the generosity of individuals who contributed to these scholarships, Rice has grown considerably since the start of her college career. She has changed from an overwhelmed student, hesitant to step outside her comfort zone and questioning her abilities, into someone who — through mentorship and meaningful connections — now has the knowledge and confidence to move forward, no matter how daunting the path may seem.
Missed an issue of Access & Excellence? Scan the QR code to explore past editions and catch up on the stories, impact and momentum shaping Tarleton State.
At Tarleton State University, every gift makes a lasting impact, helping students pursue their goals and build a strong future.
The following list honors donors at the Bleed Purple, Texan True, Texans Rise, Grassburr, General Rudder and Texan Rider levels of the Texan Excellence Fund as of March 2026. Thank you for your commitment to Tarleton State and our students.
David & Elizabeth Albrecht
Kevin & Tierni Altieri
Billy & Monica Andrews
Jason Ballard
Linda Beach
Erik & Tammy Becker
Clint & Stacey Bendele
Sherri Benn
Kara Blackwell
Warren & Libby Bluntzer
Matt & Emma Bouquet
Bobbie Boyd
Jerry & Michelle Campbell
Randall & Corey Carpenter
Stan & Linda Carpenter
Mitzi Cockerham
Rogers Coleman
Scott & Liz Davis
Rex & Nicole Detamore
Dominic & Lisette Dottavio
Bob & Darla Doty
Kent & Elda Firestone
Bud & Rachel Frazier
Douglas & Gina French
Debbie Garrison
Javier Garza
Charlie & Trina Gilchrist
Jim & BJ Goodpasture
Peter Grant
Brandon & Bridgette Haile
Rocky & Tracey Hardin
Jake & Dally Hasbrouck
Randy & Debbie Hines
Henry Hohenberger
Corey & Emily Holt
Michael & Janie Honea
Rupa Iyer
JC & Kim Johnson
Dennis Jones & Ann Albrecht
Mickey & Kristi Kennedy
Steven Kocurek
Barry & Deeandra Lambert
John & Judy Landers
Kim & Bill Leaverton
Lloyd & Gloria Lietz
Jimmy Locke
Frank Lockhart
Lisa Lopez
Tommy & Becky Loughrey
Emily Love
Buzz & Kay Mann
Dwain & Lynda Mayfield
Patrick & Bridget McCarty
Steve & Susan Meers
Stephen & Tammy Miller
James & Patrice Morgan
Sean & Amanda Mosher
Jim & Theresa Mulloy
Cliff & Deana O'Rear
Frank Owsley
Tony & Louisa Pack
Sam & Carol Pack
Bo & Jill Pharr
Brett & Stacey Powell
Max & Susan Poynor
Joel Rainey
Steven & Miki Ranly
James & Tara Rhodes
Sandra Richardson
Chandler Roberson
Cody Romines
Wendell & Grace Sadler
Fredrick Santiago
Ray & Donnna Savage
Tom & Jessica Schneider
Doug & Molly Simon
Todd & Shannon Smith
Garrett Smith
Gary & Judy Spindor
Gary & Jana Sult
Ken & Becky Swan
Randy & Renee Thompson
Tony & Donna Vidmar
Kryste Vitera
John Warren
Eddie & I'Ann Washington
Bryant & Madhur Wyatt
William & Winnie Wyatt
Lance Zimmerman
Through Team Tarleton®, corporate sponsors directly impact students by funding tuition assistance, housing, wellness programs and other resources that support success. These investments open doors for first-generation and underserved students, equipping them with the tools to pursue their education and future careers. By joining Team Tarleton®, businesses become partners in shaping the next generation of leaders while aligning their brands with a legacy of excellence and service.
Team Tarleton® sponsors play a vital role in strengthening the university community and expanding access to life-changing opportunities. Their support fuels achievement, builds confidence and ensures Texans have the resources to thrive academically and professionally. Scan the code to learn how your business can make a lasting impact at Tarleton State University.
