Powering Innovation Across Key Sectors
The cameras were on Gov. Greg Abbott and his launch of the state’s new business courts at Texas A&M University School of Law last week, but there was plenty more going on behind the scenes that will have a significant impact on Fort Worth and North Texas. “The business courts are just a harbinger of more things to come,” said John Goff, the founder of Crescent Real Estate, who was key in attracting the university to build a new downtown campus in Fort Worth. “It’s a great example of what a broader commitment by A&M can do, not only at the campus, but ultimately for the city.”
Among the examples of Texas A&M’s broader commitment to the city is a focus on key economic development areas such as agriculture, aerospace, aviation, manufacturing, health care, and entertainment and media. These areas of focus for the school are closely aligned with the city’s economic strengths, Goff said, but also offer opportunities for growth. One area where research is already taking place is in agriculture and food processing. “Texas A&M is reinventing the food pyramid, that’s how the chancellor refers to it, and they are already locating scientists here,” Goff said. “You’re going to see much of that work taking place in Fort Worth.”
That work ties in with Fort Worth’s long history in the agriculture and ranching industry, Goff said. But another key area with less historical precedent is Fort Worth’s growing presence in the media and entertainment world. The city has garnered interest by television, film studios and gaming companies, but it is hardly thought of in the same breath as Hollywood or Silicon Valley, Goff said. Investment already seen includes the ProbablyMonsters video game studio. ProbablyMonsters, headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, received $1.5 million in incentives from the city to set up an office in Fort Worth and hire up to 300 employees. Texas A&M Fort Worth was key to landing that project, said Goff, an investor in the company. “They’re already training some students here and the building isn’t even built yet,” Goff said, noting that Fort Worth would never have been able to attract the company without a university partner.
Workforce development and training will be a focus of the school and will cross several disciplines, he said. Key training areas could be aerospace and manufacturing, health care and hospitality. Goff has learned firsthand how important that training is for the hospitality industry. “Just opening the Crescent Hotel here, alongside of all the other hotels that have opened and are in the works here, we’re seeing that we don’t have enough trained workers to really accommodate the growth of the city,” Goff said. “That’s a very important component.”
The Law and Education building, the first of a planned three-building complex, is currently under construction. The second building, the Texas A&M Fort Worth Research and Innovation building, will include public and private research and development in engineering, defense and health sciences, among other sectors, said Robert Ahdieh, dean of the Texas A&M School of Law. Lockheed Martin has already signed a memorandum of understanding to discuss jointly developing education courses, workforce training and research programs, including the possibility of Lockheed researchers working alongside the staff and students at Texas A&M Fort Worth.
But even before that building breaks ground, there will be engineering students in the new Law and Education building currently under construction. “That building is half law, but the other half is engineering, health sciences, biotech, agriculture and nutrition,” Ahdieh said. “We have engineering labs and the number of engineering students who will be studying, learning and earning their degrees right here in downtown, we expect rapid growth in that.”
Helping put together those partnerships with industry is the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership, the organization begun in 2020 as Fort Worth Now. Texas A&M also has a contract to manage eight state agencies, with several setting up offices on the new Fort Worth campus in the Research and Innovation building. Tenants will include agencies specializing in transportation, engineering, agriculture and emergency management.
The university’s growing presence in Fort Worth is a testament to the city’s economic vibrancy and the potential for continued growth across a diverse range of sectors. By tapping into Texas A&M’s vast research capabilities and cultivating strong industry partnerships, Fort Worth is poised to become a hub of innovation that drives progress not just locally, but statewide.
Embracing a Holistic Approach to Community Wellness
Beyond the economic development opportunities, Texas A&M’s expansion in Fort Worth also reflects a broader commitment to community wellbeing that extends far beyond the traditional boundaries of a university campus. “It’s not just about the business courts or the research labs,” Goff noted. “Texas A&M is really looking at this as a way to become an integral part of the fabric of Fort Worth.”
One key area of focus is improving access to healthy, nutritious food. “Texas A&M is reinventing the food pyramid,” as Goff described it, with researchers already on the ground studying innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture and food processing. This aligns with the university’s longstanding expertise in areas like crop science, animal husbandry, and food technology.
At the same time, Texas A&M is partnering with local organizations to bring these insights directly to the community. “They’re not just doing research in ivory towers,” Goff said. “They’re actively working with groups like the Tarrant Area Food Bank to translate that knowledge into real-world solutions that address food insecurity and improve nutrition, especially in underserved areas.”
These efforts dovetail with a growing emphasis on holistic wellness that extends beyond just physical health. Texas A&M’s new Fort Worth campus will host a range of programs and workshops focused on mindfulness, stress management, and overall wellbeing. “They understand that true community thriving requires attending to the mind and spirit, not just the body,” Goff explained.
This could manifest in everything from yoga and meditation classes to workshops on work-life balance, healthy cooking, and the science of happiness. The goal is to create a campus environment that nurtures the whole person, empowering students, faculty, and community members alike to live more fulfilling, intentional lives.
Fostering Connections and Celebrating Diversity
Underpinning these wellness initiatives is a deep commitment to building meaningful connections within the Fort Worth community. “Texas A&M isn’t just looking to be a presence here – they want to be a true partner,” Goff said. “That means really listening to the needs and priorities of local residents and organizations, and then co-creating solutions together.”
One way this plays out is through the university’s support for small businesses, artisans, and cultural institutions. “They’re actively seeking out opportunities to highlight the rich diversity of Fort Worth – whether that’s showcasing the work of local makers and artists, or celebrating the region’s vibrant culinary traditions,” Goff noted.
This could take the form of pop-up markets, artist residencies, cooking demonstrations, or collaborative events that bring the campus and the community together. The goal is to foster a sense of belonging and mutual appreciation, where Texas A&M serves as a hub for cultural exchange and celebration.
“It’s about more than just economic development,” Goff emphasized. “Texas A&M wants to be a catalyst for deeper connections, a place where people can come together, learn from each other, and ultimately strengthen the social fabric of Fort Worth.”
Brewing a Culture of Curiosity and Lifelong Learning
Underpinning Texas A&M’s multifaceted approach in Fort Worth is a fundamental belief in the power of education and intellectual curiosity. “They see this campus as a place to spark new ideas, challenge assumptions, and inspire people of all ages to keep learning,” Goff said.
This ethos will be evident not just in the university’s degree programs, but also in its public programming and community engagement initiatives. “You’re going to see a lot of workshops, lectures, and hands-on learning opportunities that aren’t just for students,” Goff explained. “They’re really aimed at empowering the broader community to explore new interests, develop new skills, and engage with the world in more meaningful ways.”
From coffee and tea tastings that delve into the cultural and scientific nuances of these beloved beverages, to sustainability workshops that teach practical tips for greener living, the campus will serve as a hub of lifelong learning. “They want to cultivate an environment of intellectual vibrancy and cross-pollination,” Goff said. “Where people from all walks of life can come together to share knowledge, spark new ideas, and grow as individuals.”
This commitment to curiosity and continuous growth aligns with Texas A&M’s longstanding reputation for academic excellence. But in Fort Worth, the university is taking this ethos a step further, positioning itself as an indispensable community resource that enriches lives beyond the traditional boundaries of higher education.
Charting a Sustainable, Resilient Future
Underpinning all of Texas A&M’s initiatives in Fort Worth is a steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability and community resilience. “They understand that the challenges we face – from climate change to economic disruption – require holistic, collaborative solutions,” Goff said. “And they’re bringing that systems-level thinking to everything they do here.”
One key focus area is sustainable urban planning and infrastructure. “You’re going to see a lot of research and innovation around things like renewable energy, green building practices, and smart city technologies,” Goff explained. “The goal is to help Fort Worth become a model of 21st-century sustainability – not just for Texas, but for cities across the country.”
This dovetails with Texas A&M’s expertise in fields like civil engineering, architecture, and environmental science. But the university is also forging partnerships with local government, businesses, and community organizations to ensure these innovations have a tangible, real-world impact.
“It’s not just about developing new technologies in a lab,” Goff emphasized. “It’s about working hand-in-hand with the people of Fort Worth to co-create a more sustainable, resilient future that works for everyone.”
This collaborative, community-centered approach extends to other areas as well, from food systems to public health. “Whether it’s strengthening local food supply chains, improving access to healthcare, or bolstering emergency preparedness, Texas A&M is bringing an integrated, systems-based perspective that recognizes the interconnectedness of these challenges,” Goff said.
By leveraging its formidable research capabilities and convening diverse stakeholders, the university is poised to help Fort Worth navigate an increasingly complex and uncertain world. “This is about more than just economic development or academic prestige,” Goff concluded. “It’s about building a community that is truly equipped to thrive, no matter what the future may hold.”
