Sul Ross State University International Celebrates Dedication and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony of Fort Duncan Hall in Eagle Pass
By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.
EAGLE PASS, Texas — A long-standing dream of establishing a four-year university in Eagle Pass took another significant step forward Friday, October 30, 2026 as Sul Ross State University International celebrated the official ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony of Fort Duncan Hall, marking an important achievement for higher education in Maverick County and the surrounding region.
The ceremony brought together university administrators, community leaders, public officials, special guests, and supporters who gathered to celebrate the continued development of a university campus that promises to expand educational opportunities for present and future generations.
The dedication of Fort Duncan Hall represented another important accomplishment in a project that has been years in the making, bringing Eagle Pass closer to realizing a vision that community leaders have pursued for more than two decades.
The celebration followed a major groundbreaking ceremony held December 16, 2025, when Sul Ross State University officials, including President Dr. Carlos Hernandez, State Representative Eddie Morales, and other local and regional leaders, gathered to announce the beginning of construction of an all-purpose facility intended to support the development of a four-year university campus.
During that earlier ceremony, university officials emphasized the importance of bringing expanded educational opportunities directly to Eagle Pass, allowing students to pursue higher education without necessarily having to relocate to other communities.
The university’s expansion became possible through legislative support, including House Bill 1022, sponsored by Morales and State Senator César Blanco, authorizing Sul Ross State University to offer lower-division courses in Eagle Pass.
In October 2025, the university also acquired approximately 43 acres of land near the intersection of Foster Maldonado Boulevard and Main Street for $4.5 million, using funding allocated through the Texas Legislature.
The property was selected to accommodate future university development and its proximity to Southwest Texas College, Fort Duncan Medical Center, and other educational and community facilities.
The establishment of a four-year university in Eagle Pass is particularly significant for local students and working families who have historically faced the financial challenges of traveling or relocating to pursue bachelor’s degrees.
With Sul Ross State University International promoting its educational opportunities under the message “Four Years, One Campus, Your Future,” the institution is now enrolling freshmen and sophomores as it continues developing its academic presence in Eagle Pass.
University officials have previously identified regional educational needs in fields including engineering, finance, information technology, construction technology, computer information systems, and healthcare-related disciplines.
Beyond expanding access to education, the university’s development could also contribute to the local economy by attracting students, educators, university personnel, and future investments in the surrounding community.
