Since 1917, the enduring goal of the Tarleton State University Texan Corps of Cadets is to provide students an opportunity to become highly effective, successful leaders and to inspire a lifelong pursuit of service and excellence. The Texan Corps of Cadets are instilled with the values essential for service to our nation and are exceptionally qualified to succeed in business, government and the military. Members of the Corps can participate in any major area of study. Due to the rapid growth of the Corps, the Leadership and Military College was established in 2020 to encompass the Corps as well as other military leadership opportunities, and then in 2024, the college was redesignated as an academic college with a new name, The College of Leadership and Military Studies. The College is complimentary to the Texan Corps of Cadets in relation to academics and developing tomorrow's leaders. The strategic aim of the Texan Corps of Cadets and the College of Leadership and Military Studies is to achieve senior military college designation.
The College of Leadership and Military Studies hosts baccalaureate degrees in Leadership and Strategic Studies. In the summer of 2025, the Center of Leadership and Strategic Studies was approved by the Texas A&M Board of Regents. The Center's mission is to develop young leaders through a multidisciplinary approach to leadership and security studies by exploring foreign and domestic security trends through education, research, and service.
Students who join the Corps gain a strong preparation for a world that values commitment, perseverance, teamwork, and a dedication to the idea of being committed to something bigger than themselves. While participation in the Corps requires no military obligation, ROTC programs are available for Army and Air Force, and with the Marine Corps, the PLC program.
Gifts to the Texan Corps of Cadets are used for scholarships, cadet and staff travel, equipment, uniforms, and unbudgeted opportunities. Gifts will provide programs and events that serve to promote the importance of leadership and character development among students, faculty, and alumni. Events include Bataan Memorial March, Army Ten-Miler, Nichols Rising Leaders Conference, Battle of Flowers Parade, Tulane National Drill Meet, U.S. History Staff Ride and Normandy Staff Ride.
Gifts to the College of Leadership and Military Studies are used for scholarships, academic opportunities for students and cadets, funding for the Center of Leadership and Strategic Studies, and student and faculty research and outreach. Events and activities linked to the Center of Leadership and Strategic Studies include leadership podcasts, panel discussions, book talks, symposia, and conferences.
