A wide group of friends, family, faculty and prominent guests joined outside the Tarleton State University College of Engineering to recognize the life and career of an accomplished alum as the building became the first college named after an individual – the Mayfield College of Engineering.
Dr. Rafael Landaeta, Dean of the college, said the Mayfield name brings an even greater credibility to an already top-tier engineering education and research program. “Our graduates can expect to be recognized worldwide. ‘Mayfield’ is synonymous with engineering excellence.”
Dr. A. Dwain Mayfield, a resident of the Greens Creek area, was described during the dedication by Tarleton administration and special guests as a longtime benefactor, distinguished Alumnus and retired Lockheed Martin executive.
Dr. Mayfield played a major role in the success of the F-16 fighter jet as an engineer at Fort Worth’s General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin), advancing to Vice President for Program Development and leading worldwide marketing for the F-16 before his retirement.
The honoree attributed his success and happiness to his attendance at Tarleton as it not only laid the foundation for his education before transferring to Texas A&M University, but it is also where he met his wife of 62 years, Lynda.
In addressing the crowd Thursday, Mayfield traced his journey to success with a car ride to the Tarleton campus from West Texas with an ag teacher who wanted to help him get on the right path.
“Larry Dooley drove me and a buddy through the gates that are always open. That 1950s visit has taken me around the globe and brought me back for this incredible honor,” he said. “I’ve never had the chance to thank him adequately.”
Dr. Mayfield earned an associate degree at Tarleton — long before there was an engineering degree program — and then his civil engineering bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas A&M University and a master’s in business administration from Texas Christian University. Tarleton awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 2017.
Dr.Mayfieldspent44years in aerospace, interacting with the staffs of U.S. presidents, key Department of State officials and world dignitaries to negotiate F-16 sales with dozens of nations. One trip took him and his wife, Lynda, completely around the world, leaving the Lone Star State going west and returning from the east.
“Engineering created limitless possibilities for Lynda and me, giving us the opportunity to see the top of the world,” Dr. Mayfield said. “There’s a bright future for students who choose an engineering degree at Tarleton. It is a great honor to be part of that.”
Dr. James Hurley’s first event as Tarleton Presidentelect was the grand opening of the School of Engineering Building in 2019. “I had no doubt then that the school would become a standalone college,” he said. “And I have no doubt now that we’re naming it for the right person. The university is blessed to have such an enthusiastic and dedicated friend and supporter.”
The regents approved turning Tarleton’s School of Engineering into a stand-alone college last spring and naming it in honor of Dr. Mayfield. The school of engineering makes the seventh standalone college for Tarleton State University.
Dr. Mayfield championed the $54 million state-ofthe- art facility and future college from concept to bold mission as a pipeline for proficient engineering, computer science and construction graduates.
Numerous testimonials throughout the dedication indicated Mayfield’s passion for giving a future generation of engineers the keys to success.
“I’ve never met anyone who puts the needs of others ahead of themselves like Dwain Mayfield,” Hurley said.
Following the president’s address, Mayfield joined Hurley on the stage to unveil the signage explaining the college’s namesake.
“Dr. Mayfield represents the very best of what can come from getting a solid education at Tarleton and at Texas A&M,” said Michael Plank, member of the A&M System Board of Regents. “We are proud of his accomplishments and honored to call him one of our own.”
Calling him a successful businessman with the greatest integrity, Congressman Roger Williams (TX District 25) applauded Dr. Mayfield’s love of country and dedication to transformational education. “He is a true patriot who has always believed in our American ideals and the importance of defending freedom,” Williams said. The congressman presented Mayfield with an American flag flown over the Capitol in honor of the occasion.
“The accomplishments and lasting friendship of Dwain Mayfield are something I will always cherish,” Williams added, describing Mayfield as simply “a good man.”
Gordon England, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense and a past President of General Dynamics and Lockheed, said Dr. Mayfield was highly respected and admired throughout the defense industry and by militaries around the world.
“Dwain’s extraordinary knowledge of military aviation, coupled with an engaging leadership style and a determination to succeed, quickly gave rise to senior positions in the company,” England said. “He is responsible for so many nations selecting the F-16 and F-35 combat airplanes for their national defense. In so doing, he has defended and expanded freedom throughout the world.”
Mayfield is hopeful that the new college will help other from humble backgrounds find success and contribute something lasting.
“I can’t describe what a thrill it is when I call the college and they answer ‘Mayfield College of Engineering,’” he said. “I have a chill you can’t imagine.”