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A special groundbreaking ceremony took place Thursday, as community members and local and state officials gathered to mark the event.

"It is a big day for Central Texas, as we welcome this new educational opportunity that will and can change lives," Gov. Rick Perry said.

The $40-million building will include classroom space, lecture halls, a campus bookstore and offices for administrative and support services. This first building is just part of a greater master plan for the Texas A&M University Central Texas campus.

"Used to be that a person had to drive a long way to get a Texas A&M University education. Now folks around here only have to drive across town to be a part of the Aggie family, and I think that's pretty good," Gov. Perry said.

The university, which started as part of Tarleton State University in 1999, became a stand-alone university in the Texas A&M System last year.

According to school officials, enrollment at the university is already at more than 2,500 students, studying in bachelor's or master's degree programs.

"We really have an opportunity with this new university, to educate people who before really haven't been able to travel," Texas A&M University Board of Regents Chairman Morris Foster said.

In addition, the university will also continue to serve the military community of Fort Hood, which makes up 30 percent of the student population already, according to school officials.

The campus will be located at State Highway 195 and 201 in Killeen. The 662 acres of land was transferred over from the U.S. Army to the university system nearly a year ago.

While the university will serve the community and the region, Gov. Perry said it has statewide impact.

"Higher education is not only essential to our state's workforce, it's also the avenue for a better life," he said.

Construction of the building is expected to be completed by Feb. 2012.