Texas A&M University System’s dreams of expansion are getting closer to reality with the help of a large donation.
The Fort Worth Texas A&M campus, which is currently under construction, received a hefty $10.75 million donation from the Amon G. Carter Foundation, according to a press release.
The school broke ground last June on its first building, which will sit on part of a 3.5-acre campus, as previously covered by The Dallas Express.
The $150 million, eight-story building will be home to the Texas A&M School of Law. It will also host other academic offerings in partnership with Texas A&M University, Texas A&M Health, and Tarleton State University.
The building is planned to serve students in biotechnology, engineering, health sciences, law, medical laboratory sciences, nursing, virtual production, and more, per the press release.
“The Carter Foundation is pleased to signal our enthusiastic support for this project,” John Robinson, executive vice president of the Amon G. Carter Foundation. said. “We share in the vision and belief that Texas A&M-Fort Worth is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for economic growth and development for our region.”
The donation includes $5 million plus four parcels of land totaling 0.8-acre in size worth $5.75 million, according to KERA News. The donated land is located along Jones Street, across from the Fort Worth Central Station, and currently functions as a parking lot.
“For over 75 years, the Carter Foundation has fostered growth and development in North Texas. Their philanthropic investments have been impactful in addressing critical issues and advancing the common good in the Fort Worth community and across Texas,” Chancellor John Sharp said. “As one of the most well-respected foundations in the metroplex, we are honored by their endorsement of and extraordinary generosity to Texas A&M-Fort Worth.”
A research and innovation building is currently in the planning and design stage. The building is “intended to bring academia and industry together under one roof to collaborate and serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the region,” the press release reads.
“Texas A&M-Fort Worth is a ‘Game-Changer’ for our city, county, and region,” said John Goff, chairman of the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership. “This urban campus will bring students, training, jobs, and important research and technology – both for businesses presently located in and around Fort Worth and those considering relocation.”