It is our privilege to honor outstanding alumni whose personal accomplishments and professional achievements are a source of great pride for WT.
As distinguished alumni, they are not only recognized for their successes, but commended for long careers as ambassadors of a quality education at an affordable institution.
For more information, contact the WT Alumni Association at 806-651-2311 or email rhall@wtamu.edu.
2025 Distinguished Alumni
Kody Carson ’83
Carson, a lifelong resident of Olton, earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural business in 1983. He has spent most of his life working on his Olton farm but his impact stretches around the globe.
Carson has served as chairman of the National Sorghum Producers and the sorghum representative to the U.S. Grains Council. He previously served on the board of directors for Plains Cotton Cooperative Association and the Southwest Council of Agriculture.
He continues to serve on numerous boards and committees at the local, state, and national levels, always advocating for Texas Panhandle agriculture and the families who make it thrive.
Carson restored Olton Auto, where he stores his collection of vintage cars, old gas pumps and porcelain signs.
Sonja Clark ’95, ’00
Clark, who grew up in Canadian, earned her bachelor of science in nursing in 1995 and her master of science in nursing–administration focus in 2000. She is the Amarillo site leader at Bell’s Military and Commercial Assembly and Delivery Center.
She has been with Bell for almost 20 years, serving in multiple leadership roles throughout the organization. In her current position, she provides strategic leadership and accountability for cross-functional teams and site support for all Amarillo activities and operations.
Prior to joining Bell, Clark was an administrative director for Northwest Texas Healthcare System, a part of Universal Health Services. She is active in the Amarillo community and serves with numerous organizations.
Elisha Demerson ’76, ’91
Demerson, an Amarillo native, earned both his bachelor’s in physics in 1976 and his master of science in engineering technology in 1991 from WT, then worked for several decades for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration at Pantex. Upon his retirement in 2014, Demerson received the department’s career distinguished service award.
In 1978, Demerson was the first Black person elected to the Potter County Commissioners Court, and in 1986, he was elected Potter County Judge, the first Black person elected to a judgeship in Texas. In 2015, he was the first Black official on the Amarillo City Council when he was elected to Place 1.
He has served on the board of directors of many nonprofits and city committees, and currently serves as vice-chair of the St. Anthony’s Legacy and Redevelopment Corp. He served as senior pastor of Emmanuel Temple Church for almost 30 years.