Governor Greg Abbott attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Aplin Center at Texas A&M University in College Station. The new center is designed to serve as both an experiential learning hub and a welcome center for students and visitors.
During his remarks, Governor Abbott stated, “The Aplin Center will expand the horizon for education at Texas A&M. It will serve as a premier laboratory for innovation where generations of dreamers and doers can learn. I want to thank Beaver — who gave us Buc-cee’s, the largest convenience store in the world — for providing students with experiential learning facilities to foster the next generation of hospitality and retail innovators.”
Governor Abbott also spoke about Buc-ee’s impact on travel in America and emphasized how the Aplin Center aims to influence future learning at Texas A&M. He said that the facility would give students skills needed for careers in the service industry and help them pursue better financial opportunities.
Other attendees included Representative Paul Dyson, Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar, Vice Chancellor Dr. Susan Ballabina, Board of Regents Chairman Bob Albritton, Buc-ee’s Holdings Inc. Founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, along with staff and supporters from the Texas A&M System.
The planned three-story building will focus on hands-on education in hospitality, retail, food, and nutrition sciences while serving as a gateway for prospective students and guests. The center is expected to be completed by February 2028.
Additional event photos are expected to be released soon.
