STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University has announced the appointment of Dr. Matt Underwood as the inaugural Director of its Tarleton Today dual enrollment program. This initiative, designed for Texas high school students, became effective March 1st.
Dr. Matt Underwood, newly appointed Director of Tarleton Today dual enrollment program at Tarleton State University, bringing extensive experience in Texas education.
Prior to this role, Dr. Underwood served as Senior Vice President for Ranger College, overseeing operations in Erath and Brown Counties. During his tenure, he successfully expanded partnerships with numerous school districts and broadened the range of dual-credit courses offered. His extensive experience also includes seven years as Superintendent of Stephenville Independent School District, five years at Lago Vista ISD, and leading Mason ISD from 2003 to 2009.
Tarleton Today, scheduled to launch in Fall 2023, is set to offer high school students the opportunity to earn college credits in crucial fields such as agriculture and STEM, all while fulfilling their high school graduation requirements. These earned credits are directly applicable for undergraduates at Tarleton and are designed to be transferable to other four-year universities within Texas, enhancing educational pathways for students across the state.
This new program builds upon Tarleton’s already robust collaboration with over 350 school districts across Texas through its widely recognized Distinguished High School Partners program. Launched in 2020, this program guarantees admission and provides annual scholarships to qualifying high school seniors, demonstrating Tarleton’s commitment to accessible higher education.
“Increasing the number of high school graduates prepared for post-secondary education is critical for the economic future of our region,” stated Tarleton President James Hurley. “Dr. Underwood, with his nearly three decades of dedication to public education and a strong commitment to student achievement, is ideally suited to assist us in creating more opportunities and broader access for a greater number of students.”
Students enrolled in Tarleton Today will participate in university-level courses throughout the traditional academic year. Instruction will be divided, with high school teachers providing the high school curriculum components and Tarleton professors delivering the university-level content. Beyond subject matter, Tarleton faculty will focus on equipping students with essential university-ready skills and offering professional development for participating high school teachers, ensuring a cohesive and supportive educational environment.
“The potential of this initiative is vast,” Dr. Underwood commented. “For over two decades, I have been passionate about expanding opportunities for students to gain college credit while still in high school. Providing them with the necessary tools to thrive at an NCAA Division I university has the power to transform their lives significantly.”
Dr. Underwood began his career as a teacher and athletic coach at Boerne Middle School, subsequently advancing to Assistant Principal before taking on Principal roles in the Mason and Llano school districts.
Under his leadership, the Stephenville school district achieved its first A rating from the Texas Education Agency in 2019. Furthermore, over $68 million was invested in facility upgrades across Stephenville school campuses, significantly enhancing the learning environment.
His accolades include being named the 2008 Region XV Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards, recognizing his significant contributions to educational leadership.
Dr. Underwood holds a doctorate in education from the University of Texas at Austin, a master’s in educational leadership from Texas A&M University, and a bachelor’s degree in history from Texas State University, underpinning his deep understanding and expertise in the field of education.
As a founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University continues to achieve remarkable milestones in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy, and community engagement. It is dedicated to transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students across its locations in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan, and through its online programs. For 125 years, Tarleton State University has remained committed to offering accessible higher education, fostering academic, social, and professional growth through experiential learning programs that address critical regional, state, and national needs.
