The West Texas Water Research Center (WTWRC) at Sul Ross State University is surging ahead, with interim leadership in place, a seasoned research scientist joining the team, and a stakeholder-driven planning process underway.
Housed within the university’s Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) and launched with a challenge grant from the Horizon Foundation, the WTWRC will deliver science-based solutions to address West Texas’ most pressing water issues and will focus on water availability, recharge, and sustainability in the Trans-Pecos.
To guide the WTWRC during this start-up period, Billy Tarrant will serve as Interim Director. Tarrant, associate director of the Center for Land Stewardship and Stakeholder Engagement at BRI, brings more than 30 years of experience working with landowners, agencies, and conservation partners in West Texas.
Billy Tarrant
“I’m honored to help stand up one of the most important resources West Texans have seen in a long time,” said Tarrant. “Having the WTWRC based at Sul Ross—and locally managed—means we can work side-by-side with the people and communities most directly impacted by water challenges.”
Joining the leadership team as Senior Research Scientist is Dr. Kevin Urbanczyk, professor of geology at Sul Ross and director of the Rio Grande Research Center. A nearly 40-year resident of West Texas and faculty member for 34 years, Urbanczyk is an expert in groundwater and surface water studies, geomorphology and igneous rock geology. His work includes binational research on the Rio Grande/Bravo, groundwater modeling for the Texas Water Development Board, and service on multiple water conservation boards. In his new role, Urbanczyk will both coordinate and conduct research for the WTWRC.
Dr. Kevin Urbanczyk
“The time is right for the West Texas Water Research Center,” Urbanczyk said. “Our region faces growing pressures on both surface water and groundwater. Building a strong local knowledge base will help guide decisions that secure West Texas’ water future.”
The WTWRC is launching a “listening tour” with groundwater districts, municipalities, landowners and agency partners to help shape its mission, vision,and research priorities. “This is a service-oriented research center,” said Dr. Louis Harveson, the director of BRI. “Listening to people in the community will ensure the WTWRC delivers meaningful benefits to West Texas.”
The process will also tap into existing forums and workshops. Both the draft strategic plan and the next Water in the Desert conference at Sul Ross are anticipated in early 2026.
Funders have been instrumental in moving the WTWRC forward, including the Horizon Foundation, Still Water Foundation, Meadows Foundation, Dixon Water Foundation and Shield-Ayres Foundation . “With strong leadership in place, a growing network of supporters, and a clear plan to engage the community, the WTWRC is on track to make a real and lasting impact,” Harveson added.
Since 2007, the Borderlands Research Institute has encouraged effective land stewardship of the Chihuahuan Desert. Housed at Sul Ross State University, the Borderlands Research Institute builds on a long-lasting partnership with private landowners, the university’s natural resource program, cooperating state, federal, and non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders. Through research, education, and outreach, the Borderlands Research Institute is helping to conserve the last frontier of Texas and the Southwest.