Focus Group Results Amarillo, May 5 - 6 West Texas A&M University alumni in the Amarillo area came together recently to discuss the most effective ways the University can prepare for a successful second century of education and service. Graduates of the last 50 years talked about WTAMU memories, the common interest to stay connected to each other, contribution preferences, the chartering of local alumni chapters and the best forms of media for WT to deliver its message. Favorite memories of WTAMU included Old Main, Kimbrough Stadium and The Panhandle Plains Historical Museum. The group also recognized many highly reguarded faculty members such as Dr.'s Terry, Owens and Macy in Business, Dr.'s Harrington Pipkin and Keith in Ag, along with Pat Stephens, Dr. Mitch Jones and Dr. J.A. Hill. The focus group gathered crucial information that will be compiled to create positive advancement throughout WTAMU. Memory of being a Buff: I lived in Jarrett Hall. It's where I met some of my very best friends. There was lots of fun, conversations and camraderie. Richard Both of my parents went to WT. There was a sense of pride in my family to go there. Janet I remember bringing national fraternities onto campus. ATO recently celebrated 50 years at WT. Glen Homecoming was an important time for me as a student and as an Alumni Director. It was a time for excitement and friendships. Keith Perception of WT today: It was more invitiing and less intimidating. I had a clear idea of my scholarship and school costs. WT is straightfoward. Katie It is still straightfoward. You know exactly what you are getting. Angela There has been substancial growth in programs and an active response to the needs of the Panhandle. WT is now a partner with business. Keith The Amarillo Center is a break out opportunity. WT is now beyond the Canyon zip code. Employers are feeling that WT is becoming more responsive to the needs of the community and region. Angela The Amarillo Center is feeding a postive perception and growing visability for WT. Richard What does an alumni want to know? WT representatives should attend local events and be prominent in public to let Amaillo know what WT does and the economic impact it has. They should become a part of the community in all respects and spend time with business leaders, education leaders and the Chambers. Glen Promote on campus events of note. Focus on current events, new programs, building renovations and student performance. Keith Highlight the accomplishments and performances of the faculty and staff. Share the impacts they are making and profile them in WT and community publications. Janet Define the changing demographics and impact that the new students will have on society and business. Establish how WT is important to Amarillo. Glen Recognize that WT professors are unique--welcoming, caring and excellent instructors. Build on the strengths of your academic staff. Katie
How would you want to know? Electronic communications-email, Twitter or Facebook. That gives me instant, short communications so that I can stay current. Richard Emphasize current events and progress in the West Texan. Include programs, renovations and future projects. Janet Consider a blog by prominent professors or staff. Keep information current and open to two-way conversations--be interactive. Richard How frequently would you like to hear? A shared interest in monthly updates on the website, a monthly calender and consistent email updates on events of interest was expressed by the group. Fundraising Priorities? Student amenities are essential and critical to assist a student's development. It is a total atmosphere that educates the student. Those amenities are what bind the student to the University. Keith Consider the broadest Panhandle impact by seeking support from the five-state Panhandle area for recruitment. Angela Seek the needs of the region and then produce a product that fits it. That will endear WT to the community and enable it to meet its goals in two ways--meet educational needs and attract top quality students. Keith Memory of being a Buff: It was a better experience than at a larger school. As a commuter student I found it flexible and accomodating. John My daughter is impressed that her professors know her by name and that she is not a number. Ann As one of the first Hispanics at WT, I found the experience comfortable and enjoyed the support of my professors. John Dr. Sue Park was a wonderful adviser. John
Perception of WT today: The Business Center, downtown center and the Enterprise Center are all examples of outreach and new thinking. Ann New first generation students will benefit from NSO. Paula What does an alumni want to know? Outline the steps WT is taking to grow, meet local needs and summarize the growth, impact and progress. Give alumni an outline of how they can reconnect and get involved. Invite them to reconnect. John WT has exciting new graduate programs and is changing to meet new lifestyle needs. This is not widely know and is great information. The graduate programs are a gold mine. Paula Highlight WT's impact and heritage on educational excellence. Report new programs, graduate's impact and growth of online courses. Ann Faculty is the heart and soul of WT. The professors are what each of us remember and respect. That is my emotional link. Show how WT is enhancing and diversifying its faculty. Paula How would you want to know?
Post a virtual tour of campus on the website to help alumni reconnect. Share changes and improvements through a student's eyes. John Send monthly "dings." Emails and enewsletters are effective ways to build interest. Paula How frequently would you like to hear? During the Centennial give out a monthly calendar of events to build interest and awareness. John Keep the West Texan schedule and put a PDF file on the alumni website. John Fundraising Priorities? Demonstrate the initiatives that WT is taking to meet the challenges faced by the new HIspanic first generation students like myself. I cannot give money because of student loans, but can give my time and resources. I would love to help as a mentor to recruit students. John
Memory of being a Buff: I remember Greek activities in conjunction with formals, parties and football games. Janet It was a quality classroom experience because of caring professors. Peggy Community involvement where the students and faculty were deeply involved as leaders of the Canyon and Amarillo communities. Jimmy I remember the horse center and its activities. Anette
Perception of WT today: Fine Arts are a significant benefit from WT to the community. There are professors with exciting credentials. WT's arts program is spectacular! Patti Lou WT should concentrate on renovating its perception in Canyon and Amarillo to highlight its areas of expertise and impact. By enchancing its image at home WT will enhance its total image. Judy Many of the older professors are WT "grass roots." They provide a balance to the new technology and contemporary ideas. Helene
What does an alumni want to know? WT needs to promote itself and its strengths, accomplishments and vision. Anette Emphasize all the good things accomplished in the last three years. Outline the remaining goals for the Strategic Plan. Keep the message simple, positve, hopeful and dynamic. Helene There needs to be a communication plan that gives the community a sense of accomplishment and the impact of WT programs. Patti Lou
How would you want to know?
The group suggested building a communications plan using a variety of media outlets, and agreed that becoming visibly engaged in the surrounding communities would help get WT's message out.
How frequently would you like to hear? Monthly updates from an enewsletter along with a quarterly magazine for greater detail were consistent requests of the group.
Fundraising Priorities? The participants felt that Amarillo residents, alumni and businesses would be more likely to financially support WT programs if efforts of collaboration were made, reports to the community on WT progress and impact were consistent and engagement with the community was visable including sharing the WT Strategic Plan with community leaders. | 
