KINGSVILLE (Nov. 17, 2025) — The Texas A&M University-Kingsville School of Music complex was dedicated in honor of former university president Dr. Steven H. Tallant during a ribbon cutting and ceremony Friday, Nov. 14.
Tallant served as the 19th TAMUK president from 2008 through 2019, during which time he was instrumental in obtaining approval for the $60 million Music Education complex from the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.
The former TAMUK president was appreciative of the honor and moved by the atmosphere of the event.
“It’s wonderful being just being back in Kingsville and being on this campus that I love,” Tallant said. “It’s wonderful seeing people that mean a lot to me and friends that have been made over the years. The naming of this building is surrealistic — I can’t believe this is happening. It’s the most meaningful award that I’ve ever seen in my life. Nothing could be better than this and I will forever be grateful that this building is named after me.”
After breaking ground in 2017, the music complex was completed and opened its doors in Jan. 2020, coinciding with the TAMUK music department earning the designation School of Music after a two-year process.
While the construction took just under three years, Tallant said the process from idea to completion took far longer, but was pleased to see it all come to fruition for a music program he holds in high regard.
“From the time I started working on this building to the day, it’s 17 years, so this has been a long time and a long process,” Tallant said. “I think this is the best undergraduate music department in the country and they deserve what we got them. The name of the building is about me, but this building isn’t about me. It’s about us and how we gave this gift to our students.”
The night included a ribbon cutting, and the dedication included remarks from Tallant, TAMUK School of Music Interim Director Dr. Elizabeth Janzen, Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Scott Jones, former School of Music Director and Regents Professor Emeritus Dr. Paul Hageman, Caesar Kleberg Foundation for Wildlife Conservation trustee Stephen J. “Tio” Kleberg, Kingsville Mayor Sam Fugate, and President Dr. Robert Vela.
There were also several musical performances from multiple student ensembles throughout the night.
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