Tarleton’s Autry building gets remodeled

By: Taite Read 

Graphic Designer

Tarleton State University’s Agriculture Department is starting to see exciting changes this spring. 

The department is located in the Joe W. Autry Building. The building was named after Joe W. Autry in 1988. Autry was an instructor and head of the agriculture department at Tarleton State University for several years.

Ashleigh Frank, sophomore Agricultural Communications major, said, “(the remodel)

was long overdue. I think this will help draw students to Tarleton.” 

The building was originally built in 1951 and has only seen one major remodel in the 1970s. 

“Dr. Hurley authorized the renovation in order to update and modernize the building and make the building more functional and comfortable for students,” Dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Barry Lambert said.

Construction started in of the fall of 2021 and will hopefully be finished this summer.

Tarleton is well known for agriculture. With the changes happening, what does this mean for current students and future students?

“Renovation leads to a more inviting, comfortable and functional space for current and prospective students,” Lambert said. 

The Autry Building contains a small auditorium, classrooms, offices and labs.

The main hallway on the first floor of the building will have new flooring, lighting and digital signage. 

“I will benefit by having a shiny updated building as well as it represents the great college with the students and professors in it,” Frank said. 

The Agriculture Department holds multiple events throughout the year such as the FFA contest on Tarleton’s campus and at other agriculture facilities off campus. The update of the Autry building has the potential to attract more students to our campus.

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