Agricultural Multipurpose Education and Training Center
Continuing a Legacy of AG Education
The AMETC will offer a curated environment for students to enhance their agricultural education and bolster East Texas A&M's ability to positively impact state and local economies and communities. Additionally, our new home will serve as a magnet for FFA and 4-H members, introducing our community to future Lions, and will feature on-site meat processing capabilities and agricultural event spaces, further strengthening the agriculture curriculum.
The Agricultural Multipurpose Education and Training Center (AMETC) is a state-of-the-art facility with modern technology and equipment to generate curricula and experiences that inspire and engage.
The AMETC will offer students an on-site opportunity to receive training on processing livestock, thus fueling an immense and growing market in the region. The AMETC will also serve as a center to gather students, staff and community members for contests, competitions, programs and hands-on training, whether for prospective students or long-time industry workers.
By the numbers
13%
Population Increase
In Texas by 2032
/
96.5%
of Eligible Residents employed
In the Southwest Region
/
5.1%
Employment growth in the region
from 2016 to 2021
/
6%
Regional Shortage of applicants
with Bachelor’s degrees
/
17th
Agriculture’s placement in
Largest industries in the region
Community Impact
Economic Growth
The AMETC will contribute to economic growth in Commerce and the surrounding region by creating jobs both within the facility and in related industries, including agriculture, meat processing and hospitality.
Increased Tourism
The AMETC will attract visitors from across the region, particularly for events like rodeos, livestock shows and educational programs. An influx of visitors would lead to increased tourism revenue, benefiting local hotels, restaurants and other businesses.
Regional Engagement
The complex will enable the university to host events, workshops,and educational programs that involve local residents, schools and organizations like the FFA and 4-H. The community will no longer need to travel to Sulphur Springs for rodeos, livestock shows or conferences. Instead, events will be hosted at East Texas A&M, welcoming participants and visitors from around the nation.
The Blueprint
A Modern Agricultural Facility
The Agricultural Multipurpose Education and Training Center (AMETC) will be a modern facility for today's needs, providing a state-of-the-art home for instruction, research, and community.
The first project will feature rodeo and practice arenas that will be expandable in the future, as well as a multipurpose space that can be divided into classrooms, event spaces, or exhibition spaces for large conferences and shows.
STALLS
A single stall will house up to 100 horses for shows and equine studies. The size of the AMETC premises opens up the possibility of a second 100-horse stall to be added in the future.
MAIN ARENA
The Main Arena will house bleachers to seat up to 1,500 spectators, with room for expansion.
MULTIPURPOSE AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITY
The AMETC will house a versatile multipurpose room that can be configured into three separate classrooms, research laboratories, or opened up entirely to create an exhibition space for events and educational programs.
RODEO TEAM AND LIVESTOCK EXPO ARENA
The AMETC will feature a large arena for equine studies and rodeo hosting, attracting new visitors to Commerce.
Future Sustainability Features
To best align with modern agricultural techniques, the AMETC will incorporate modern sustainability features like renewable energy sources, waste management systems and water conservation practices.
FUTURE MEAT PROCESSING FACILITIES
The AMETC is expected to house advanced meat processing facilities, a first for the university and community of Commerce. These facilities will provide hands-on training for both students and local workers, fostering competitive economic growth in the region.
RV LOT
The AMETC will include accommodations for 100-200 RVs, allowing visitors to stay on the premises at their convenience.
FUTURE RESEARCH LABORATORY & CLASSROOM
Education will take center stage at the AMETC, with modern classrooms, lecture halls and training spaces equipped with multimedia resources and the latest lab equipment.
FUTURE AGRICULTURE MECHANICS BUILDING
In addition to existing care facilities, the AMETC will expand on facilities dedicated to animal husbandry, veterinary care and humane animal handling techniques.
You Can Help!
As East Texas A&M continues to raise funds for this project, the goal is to build a 12,000-square-foot classroom and research laboratory building as well as a complete USDA federally inspected meat and dairy food processing center.
Tomorrow's students, faculty, staff and community members will have all the amenities they need to make Commerce a destination for agriculture, research and education.