College News and Buff Brief Newsletter

Internship with the National Weather Service

Tiffany Rooney, SR. Environmental Science student is interning with the National Weather Service researching heat patterns in Palo Duro Canyon.

“This internship is giving me hands-on training that will prepare me for my career and a chance to experience what my field of study will look like. When starting a career, most employers look for people with experience, this is the best way to gain exactly that. Plus, internships are a learning experience- there is someone to guide and help along the way.”

Buff Brief Newsletter - 7/26/2021

Faculty Continue Learning

Dr. Ghosh Presents Research

Dr. Nabarun Ghosh, Professor of Biology, presented research at the Hawaii University International Conference (HUIC) 2021 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The two papers that were presented are titled: An Assessment of the AFL Mini Sanifier II® in Terms of Reducing the Incidence of Canine Allergy and Mold Guard, a Novel Air Purifier: Assessment on the Reduction of the Mold and Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM 2.5). Ghosh also served as the Session Chair for the Aerobiology and Air Quality session.

Thank you for representing the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences in Hawaii!

Click for more information on a degree in Environmental Sciences

Buff Brief Newsletter - 7/19/2021

Bright Future for Buff Graduate

Creative Career She Loves

Mallori Johnson, B.S. Agricultural Media and Communication '20, now works for Visit Corpus Christi as the Destination Services Manager. Moving to the Gulf Coast has allowed Johnson to use her degree in a place of demand. Some of her tasks include meeting with clients, planning events and parties and working with her teammates to provide the best experience possible for travelers.

"I absolutely love my job! It challenges me to think out of the box and be creative," Johnson said.

Her time at West Texas A&M University has more than prepared her for this career she has pursued. "It's been amazing to put my degree to use and have fun at the same time."

Buff Frief Newsletter - 7/12/2021

Summer is a Hot Time for Internships

Learning from Professionals

Michelle Wittler, SR. Chemistry student is interning with Allergy Asthma, Rheumatology Treatment Specialists (A.R.T.S.) in Amarillo, TX.

Michelle follows the providers (doctors and nurse practitioners) to see how they come to differential diagnoses with patients. There are discussions on how healthcare works in this country with the proper schooling and the nuances of insurance.

Michelle’s plan is to get her Masters in public health and go to medical school to specialize in emergency medicine. “The information that I’ve learned from this internship will be invaluable to me along this journey in becoming a doctor.”

Buff Brief Newsletter - 7/5/2021

Learning Through Internships

Paige Holbrooks, JR. Agricultural Media and Communication student, is interning with Certified Angus Beef (CAB). She is working in the Producer Communications department at CAB.

"I have written news releases, social media copy and email promotions for our upcoming events. ... I don’t ever feel like “the intern," says Paige.

Page encourages students to apply for internships. It's better to be told no than to not even give yourself a shot and miss so many opportunities!

Buff Brief Newsletter - 6/28/2021

Dr. Lockett Shares Internship Story

Dr. Lockett.GetCurious

Dr. Lockett shares his internship history in his "Get Curious" video.

"What if it works out? What if it goes well?"

If you are a student interested in an internships, or a business interested in partnering with WTAMU to training an intern, please contact Career Services.

WT Supports Transfer Students

Community College Scholars Recognition

Otero Junior College transfer students Cameron Frantz, SOPH. Animal Science, (pictured left) and Alison Bregar, JR. Plant, Soil and Environmental Science, (pictured right) received the 2021 Community College Scholars Recognition. The two were nominated for the award by Timothy Alvarez, president of OJC.

Buff Brief Newsletter - 6/21/2021

Mutually Beneficial Partnerships Strengthen WTAMU

VERO & TVMDL Open House

On June 3rd, the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS) Veterinary Education, Research, & Outreach (VERO) Building and the Charles W. Graham DVM Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) hosted an Open House to celebrate the new teaching and research facilities on the campus of West Texas A&M University.

“The financial and human capital investments reflected in this partnership will undoubtedly have an indelible impact on the Panhandle region, the lives of the generations of students who will receive their veterinary education at VERO, and the thousands of animal owners and veterinarians who will benefit from cutting-edge diagnostic testing at TVMDL,” Dr. Todd Rasberry, vice president for philanthropy and external relations and executive director of the WTAMU Foundation, said in prepared comments.

Thank you to everyone who attended and made this a special day!

WTAMU Horse Judging Team Excels at Reined Cow Horse Contest

2021_Reined_Cow_Horse__NRCHA__Res_Champion

On February 13-14th the National Reined Cow Horse Association in partnership with the National Horse Judging Team Coaches Association, hosted Reined Cow Horse contest. WTAMU Placed 2^nd competing against 12 other teams around the region.

"The team’s performance was an excellent start for the 2021 competitions,” said coach Dr. John Pipkin, Equine Industry program director and Regents Professor of Animal Science. “The students continue to amaze and impress with their ability to prepare during challenging times, and represent WT so effectively. They made WT proud.”

Congratulations, Buffs!

Alumnus Gives Back

Glenn Lyles Donates Original Artwork

Glenn Lyles Painting

Glenn Lyles, 73' B.S. Animal Science alumnus recently donated On The Rita Blanca painting to be displayed in the Happy State Bank Research & Academic Building.

Mr. Lyles is a noted western artist, who spent many years working on the family farm in Hale County before deciding to take on painting full time.

The Hereford painting is the second original artwork donated by Mr. Lyles to his alma mater

Sincere appreciation to Mr. Lyles for his generous gift to the Paul Engler College of Agriculture & Natural Sciences!

"WT’s team was the most successful horse judging team in the world this year.”

2020 Horse Judging Team Photo

2020 WTAMU Team: 1^st APHA World, 1^st Reining Championship, 2^nd AQHA World Championship

"WT’s team was the most successful horse judging team in the world this year,”
said coach John Pipkin, Equine Industry Program Director and Regent Professor of Animal Science.

Not just this year: The team is historically successful, having won 125 champion and reserve champion titles since 1994. They’ve added to that total again with recent Championship and Reserve Championship titles. The team won the Reining National Championship (NRHA) and American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and earned Reserve Champion at the American Quarter Horse Association contest. The team earned a World Championship at the American Paint Horse Association World Championship collegiate contest.

“Our team members are extremely talented and, more importantly, they were extremely diligent in their efforts to prepare themselves and support their fellow teammates,” Pipkin said. “They are exceptional in so many ways including overcoming all the challenges associated with COVID-19 restrictions and threats. Their resilience and team work are truly unmatched.”

Photo: Dr. John Pipkin (Head Coach), Maggie Murphy (Coach), Josh Worten, Reilly Dhaliwal, Sierra Stammen, Hannah McLochlin, Lacy Petty, Elena Chapa, Mollie Green, Taylor Scheulen, Baily Summers (Assistant Coach), Dr. Lance Kieth (Department Head)

WTAMU Hosts

Intercollegiate Meat Judging Workout

The 2020 American Meat Science Association Intercollegiate Meat Judging International/ High Plains contest was conducted at Caviness Beef Packers for the first time in history on November 1st. West Texas A&M University hosted the official practice workout on the Friday and Saturday leading up to the competition.

Over 75 students from Clarendon College, Fort Scott Community College, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, South Dakota State University, Kansas State University and Oklahoma State University all traveled to practice at West Texas A&M University prior to the contest.

Newsletter highlights: Welcome Dr. BJ Newcomer-VERO faculty; Dr. Guerrero COVID-19 Research Impact; Danielle Williams-Student Internship; ACS WTAMU Chapter earns commendable award.

Buff Brief Newsletter - 11/23/2020

All in Good Fun!

2020 Faculty Alpaca Show

Supporting a good cause and all in good fun, the 2020 Faculty Alpaca Show was a huge success! Thanks to all the faculty for participating, Double Diamond Ranch for the use of their alpacas, and to the Block&Bridle Club for hosting!

Newsletter Highlights: 2020 Intern of the Year, Rademacher Internship Spotlight, Soil Judging Team, 2020 Engler Gift, Dr. Baird Research Spotlight, Faculty Alpaca Show Photos.

Buff Brief Newsletter - 11/16/2020

Supporting the Sciences at WTAMU!

Renovation of the Natural Sciences Building Begins

The Natural Sciences Building - home to the Department of Chemistry and Physics, and the Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences - will see renovations beginning November 1, 2020.

Once completed, the newly renovated science labs will provide advanced experiential learning opportunities to students in all majors that inspire scientific exploration and learning.

The renovation will be completed in phases starting on the 3rd floor.

Buff Brief Newsletter - 11/2/2020

BIG Deal

Little International

Little International is an annual experiential educational event involving over 200 WT students, with multiple faculty supporting the event. Participating students learned about animals and teaching, but they also developed relationships and learning groups that undoubtedly contribute to recruiting and retention efforts.

Total exhibit entries for the two-day show were 77 cattle, 63 sheep, 56 pigs and 88 horses, along with 70 contestants competing in Quiz Bowl. This is among the largest shows of this kind in the United States in terms of the number of student participants and the number of livestock exhibits.

Congratulations to the winners, and a huge thanks to all those that worked hard to once again make this a successful event!

Buff Brief Newsletter - 10/26/2020

Helping Build Strong Communities

Cactus Cares Supports WTAMU Students

Cactus Cares is committed to feeding a hungry world, starting with family, friends and neighbors in our own communities across the U.S. Their newest initiative with WTAMU is to provide meat to students in need. A collaboration between Cactus Cares, Doc’s Prime Cuts and the Health Integration Services program facilitates food assistance to WTAMU students.

Cactus Cares is proud to purchase the ground beef from Doc’s Prime Cuts. “We feel that we are able to multiply our effect by not only supporting the groups receiving the beef, but also supporting the WTAMU Meat Lab and all the great work they are doing.” – Shelby Padgett, Assistant Director of Mission Centered Activities for Cactus Cares.

Click here to watch a Cactus Cares video.

Connect with Cactus Cares: Facebook Website Twitter

Cactus Cares.WT.Docs.Graphic

Buff Brief Newsletter - 10/19/2020

VERO Welcomes Two New Faculty

A Dairy Cattle Expert and a Beef Cattle Production Expert

The WTAMU campus VERO program welcomes Dr. Benjamin Newcomer, a dairy cattle expert, and Dr. Jenna Funk, an expert in beef cattle production. The new faculty will support the fourth-year A&M veterinary students who choose to participate in clinical rotations in Canyon and the surrounding areas.

Welcome to the Texas Panhandle.

Buff Brief Newsletter - 10/12/2020