West Texas A&M University Alumni Study Executive Summary
The West Texas A& M University study is a qualitative inquiry into the perceptions of sixty-seven (67) alumni and community supporters in six metropolitan centers, seven (7) Canyon community leaders and twenty-one (21) current student leaders. The process chronicled personal experiences and perceptions of a range of alumni and supporters.
Despite current economic challenges participants expressed consistent support for a Centennial fundraising campaign that focuses on: (1) An endowment to underwrite academic positions, incentives and in-service education because of the universal high regard for the professors and their impact on alumni; (2) An scholarship endowment for strong academic students because of the alumni’s gratitude for their experiences with the Opportunity Plan, scholarships and campus jobs that got them through school and (3) A portion of the capital funds from the campaign should be reserved for upgrading because dorms continue to be the source of lifelong friendships, life directing experiences and environmental hardships because of antiquated heating and cooling systems.
The sessions with current students identified significant social, technical and physical changes on campus in the last three years. The articulate testimony, energy and transformational experiences of the current students offer a creditable emotional link between today’s “slick campus” and the alumni’s memories and associations.
Objective
As we explore the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, we are also preparing for our second century of providing superior education to current and future generations. We have traveled to cities throughout Texas to meet with alumni and friends seeking help in designing a future that will continue to meet the high ideals of West Texas A&M University and best serve the students and friends of our community. WTAMU faculty/staff and executive leadership participated in four 90-minute focus groups. Those sessions defined key terms and identified critical funding priorities at a time of decreasing state support. These internal perceptions will be tested in alumni. The comparison and contrast will assist WTAMU Institutional Advancement staff to plan a comprehensive fund-raising campaign to prepare the University for a successful second century of education and service.
If you have missed a focus group in our area and would like to participate, feel free to fill out our online Warm-Up Form. Should you be interested in the results from focus groups, please contact alwayswt@wtamu.edu for the full report.
