James Hurley

Dr. James Hurley was named the 16th President of Tarleton State University in August 2019 and quickly declared his intention for Tarleton to become the premier comprehensive regional university in the nation. He jumpstarted the plan by leading Tarleton to NCAA Division I status as the newest member of the Western Athletic Conference.

The university is celebrating all-time-high enrollment, both graduate students and undergraduates, and the Class of 2024 is Tarleton’s largest, most diverse group of incoming first-time students. To strengthen these areas, Dr. Hurley created the Distinguished High School Partners Program, increased funding for the President’s Guaranteed Award and started the President’s List to honor 4.0 GPA scholars.

He also launched, in his first year, three major initiatives that will enhance Tarleton’s profile. A new strategic plan — Tarleton Forward: 2030 — will chart a path to expanded academic programs, more vigorous research, ever-higher enrollments and greater student success. The $100 million “Tarleton Forward … Today. Tomorrow. Forever” capital campaign focuses on increasing philanthropic support to expand opportunity and access for faculty, staff and students. The third major initiative, the recently created Texas Center for Rural Research, Innovation and Economic Development, will grow the research portfolio and spotlight state and regional economic opportunity.

During his career in education, Dr. Hurley has served as instructor, professor, dean, vice president and president, with extensive experience at comprehensive higher education institutions. Prior to joining Tarleton, he was President at Tusculum University in Greeneville, Tenn. Under his leadership Tusculum added its University Health Center; College of Health Sciences; College of Science, Technology and Math; and Niswonger College of Optometry.

Dr. Hurley holds a doctorate in education from Morehead State University, a master’s degree from Indiana University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pikeville in Pikeville, Ky. He completed the Institute for Presidential Leadership at Harvard University and received a certificate of higher education management from Vanderbilt University.

He and his wife, Kindall, are the proud parents of sons Drew and Carter and daughters Blayklee and Brooklyn.