Texas A&M University-Texarkana, a member of the prestigious Texas A&M University System, is a dynamic and growing regional comprehensive university currently serving approximately 2000 students. Since its founding in 1971, A&M-Texarkana has been known for its emphasis on student-centered education. From its beginnings as East Texas State University at Texarkana to its acceptance into the prestigious Texas A&M University System in 1995 to today on its new, state-of-the-art campus, A&M-Texarkana has been a university with a reputation for being a community rather than simply an institution. With expansion in 2010 from upper-division/master's programming to both lower-division and doctoral level offerings, the campus has maintained its friendly atmosphere, small class sizes, and commitment to traditional and non-traditional students. Along with academic excellence and student success, the university emphasizes community engagement, in recognition of the strong support the region has provided the university and a belief that such engagement is a powerful learning tool for students. A well-developed student life program ensures a full collegiate experience for residential students and offers opportunities for educational enrichment for other members of the campus community and beyond. Location and Environment Texas A&M University-Texarkana is situated in scenic northeast Texas on a new campus of over 300 acres. The campus is home to state-of-the-art classrooms, the Bringle Lake Village residence hall, and the John Moss Library. The city of Texarkana, a "twin city" with a population of roughly 65,000 in Texas and Arkansas, is located on Interstate 30 approximately half-way between Dallas and Little Rock. The local economy boasts extensive healthcare providers, one of the largest civilian run army depots in the nation, several major manufacturers, a myriad of local and national retailers and an expanding hospitality industry. In addition to offering outstanding public schools, the city is rich in cultural amenities, such as the historic Perot Theatre, home to the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra, and the region's lakes, rivers, and state parks provide many outdoor recreational opportunities.