PSA students find their home at Tarleton State University

BY LAUREN JESKEVIC

Multimedia Journalist

Walking on the Tarleton State University campus is a one-of-a-kind experience that differs from entering a larger institution. It feels like a homecoming.

Tarleton’s uniqueness was forged in over a century of rich history. Founded in 1899 as a private college, Tarleton joined the Texas A&M University System in 1917 during a period of financial uncertainty. 

It transitioned from the “Junior Aggies” into the Plowboys and lastly into the Texans, all while protecting the rituals that belong to the Texans alone. 

Many have a misconception of Tarleton as just a “sister school” for A&M, but Tarleton is so much more. It has been proven for more than a hundred years that Tarleton can uphold the standards of A&M and excellence, all while flying the bright purple flag. 

The Program for System Admission (PSA) serves as an alternative for students who are not originally accepted into A&M. They have the opportunity to attend any offered school in the system for the first year. 

Then they can transition to be a full-time Aggie beginning their second year with guaranteed admission. With this, it is extremely important that the GPA requirement is maintained with a completed set of curriculum. 

For the students who choose this route, it acts as a waiting room and a test to see what the college scene holds. But for many, the charm and personality of Stephenville keep them here.

For PSA students like Truett Tinkman, the atmosphere, brotherhood and community played a major role in his decision to permanently stay at Tarleton. Tinkman found that community isn't just a thrown-out buzzword, but a reality that was found through his faith and social organizations. 

“When I first got here, I joined BSM (Baptist Student Ministry). It was an instant community and everyone was there to help you and teach you,” Tinkman said. “Everyone wanted you there and everyone was so welcoming.”

Beyond his faith-based community, Tinkman found a home within his fraternity, which provided both personal growth and lifelong friendships. 

“I think being here allows you to create better relationships, because it's smaller and more tight-knit,” Tinkman said. “Relationships are more intimate and personal, and you can create stronger bonds, especially within brotherhood.” 

For Benjamin Bolding, the dream was always the big university, just as many PSA students hope for. It took a deep dive into Tarleton's unique traditions to realize that a big student body doesn't always equal a better experience and opportunities. 

For Bolding, the shift of seeing Tarleton as his backup school changed at Duck Camp, Tarleton’s freshman transition camp, to show students what bleeding purple is all about. 

“I realized I would be here for longer than expected at Duck Camp,” Bolding said. “I really enjoyed it; I got to meet so many people who I am still sharing my time with. It showed me that just because it's a small school, it doesn't mean that it's not all that bad.” 

His initial spark grew into realizing the charm and intimacy Tarleton upholds is uniquely different from A&M, giving him opportunities for longer and stronger connections. 

“I wasn't really sure if I'd like a small school,” Bolding said. “I always dreamt of going to a bigger school like A&M, but since I've come here, I realize that smaller communities are a lot better. You get to meet a lot of people and actually know them for a long time.” 

There is a common saying in the A&M System that the “spirit can ne’er be told.” But at Tarleton, that spirit is felt in every tradition and every close bond. Students have shown time after time that the choice to drop the PSA track and stay in Stephenville isn't about settling, it's about finding your identity within the school. It is a visible testament to the fact that while Tarleton shares rich history with the Aggies, it offers a future that is uniquely its own.