Texas A&M to Break Ground on the Aplin Center
On October 3, 2025, Texas A&M University is taking a bold step forward in preparing students for the industries shaping our future with the groundbreaking of the Aplin Center, the nation’s most comprehensive experiential academic center for food and nutrition sciences, retail and hospitality.
Spanning more than 211,000 square feet across three stories, the center will integrate academic excellence with real-world, hands-on learning, creating unparalleled opportunities for students and showcasing Texas A&M’s expansive resources and impact.
The Aplin Center represents a major step forward in preparing our students for industries that are rapidly evolving. It is a space where theory meets practice, where students can experiment, innovate and lead. Through immersive experiences across Mays Business School and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Aggies will gain the skills and insights that define careers and strengthen entire industries.
The project is made possible by a $60 million gift from former student Arch “Beaver” Aplin III ’80, founder of Buc-ee’s.
“Beaver Aplin’s generosity has not only enhanced what is now the Arch H. Aplin III Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism and the Arch H. Aplin III Department of Marketing, but has also enabled the creation of a landmark facility that will transform how Aggies learn and engage," Sams said.
The Aplin Center is designed as more than a classroom. It will serve as a hub for students, alumni and visitors, providing modern, purpose-built space to meet growing academic and visitor needs. The current Visitor Center, built in 1973 and located in Rudder Tower, currently serves 80,000 annual guests. The new Welcome Center in the Aplin Center will feature a 170-seat theater, multipurpose rooms and student ambassador spaces.
As a national model for experiential learning, the center features immersive laboratories, student-run retail and dining operations, corporate training opportunities and industry-partnered research.
“Students will graduate not only workforce-ready but industry-connected, with practical experience that prepares them to innovate and lead,” Sams said.
“The Aplin Center will be a new key hub at Texas A&M, welcoming prospective students and celebrating the journey of graduates,” Sams said. “It is a tangible expression of Texas A&M’s commitment to our students, our former students and the broader community. This space embodies innovation and leadership — values that define the Aggie experience and ensure our graduates leave ready to transform the world around them.”
Learn more about the Aplin Center and Arch “Beaver” Aplin III ’80.
