It is my pleasure to welcome students, faculty, and staff back to the WT Campus. The past few months have dealt the nation a difficult hand. With the spread of COVID-19, as well as tense racial relations, our WT community has had to adapt in an unprecedented way. The Panhandle region is known for its ability to work hard and through difficult situations. This time is no exception. It is with pure determination and collaboration from the entire university that we open the doors for students to return to campus. It is our goal to make WT as safe as possible by asking you to wear your mask, wash your hands, and practice social distancing. Your actions will have consequences for you and others.
As an institution of higher learning, we must embrace the opportunity of enhancing our experiences and cultural perspectives. Our hearts go out to all of those who experience injustice of every kind, and we want you to know that at WT, we aspire to create a welcoming and inclusive campus that will engage in action-oriented solutions to address discrimination and support all. I have said before and will say again, I believe each and every one of us should use the Golden Rule as we engage all with whom we come in contact. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. It is found in nearly every world religion because it is deeply embedded in our hearts and souls. I fervently believe that is the WT way. The President’s Office, along with the Office for Diversity and Inclusion, is working in collaboration with a variety of academic units, departments, and community resources to take specific action toward tangible transformation.
Dr. Walter Wendler
President, West Texas A&M University
This is a critical time in history and it is important that we commit to anti-racism initiatives. With your help, WT will play an important role in the fight against discrimination in all of its forms. WT is revising procedures in support of our ability to understand our strengths and weaknesses in the effort to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.
The first step is to give voice to those who are unheard. To that end, the Office for Diversity and Inclusion is scheduling a series of virtual Town Hall meetings to learn from students, faculty, staff, and alumni who might be able to identify blind spots for us. We will not be listening to reply, but listening to learn and to improve. Secondly, we will make sure all students have access to the services and resources they need, which one can find at www.wtamu.edu. The University’s mission from WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World means we will be steadfast in our commitment to providing the best education we can. West Texas A&M University is recognized for its excellence in teaching and learning, and a strong focus on engaging students in experiences that aid in the development of skills, capabilities, and insights. We will not let COVID-19 or racism hinder our most deeply held values of respect, inclusion, compassion, and mutual concern for all our students.
New Way. New World. Always WT.
Angela Allen
Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer