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WT Offers Support to Matador Following Second Deadly Tornado in the Texas Panhandle
Copy by Kelly Carper Polden, 806-651-2125, kpolden@wtamu.edu
CANYON, Texas — In the wake of another devastating tornado impacting the Texas Panhandle in the past week, this time in Matador on June 21, West Texas A&M University is reaching out to support students in the area.
“We are again truly saddened with the news of a terrible tornado, this time impacting our students, friends and families in Matador,” said Dr. Chris Thomas, vice president for student affairs. “We are reaching out to WT Buffalos in and around the Matador area to determine what kinds of assistance we can offer to help them in this time of loss. Our counseling and medical services remain ready to support our students, and our entire campus community sends thoughts and prayers to Matador and continue to do so for Perryton that was hit last week.”
According to Thomas, four WT students in the spring, summer or fall 2023 semesters call Matador home. WT continues to assist 61 students from the Perryton area.
Students are being emailed and texted, and WT is using social media posts to encourage students from Matador and Perryton to contact Thomas directly when they are able. Thomas can be reached at 806-651-2053 or cthomas@wtamu.edu.
According to Motley County officials, nine people were killed and at least 10 were injured in Matador. Agencies from across the South Plains, including police, fire and EMS, are assisting in search and rescue efforts. Emergency efforts continue in Perryton where three people were killed and at least 56 were injured following the June 15 storm.
“Our hearts break for the people of the Matador and Perryton communities,” said WT President Walter V. Wendler. “WT is here to help in every way we can, because when one Buff is hurting, we’re all hurting. As the Panhandle’s University, WT’s commitment is to serve the students and region, as laid out in the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.”
That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the campaign — which publicly launched in September 2021— has raised more than $125 million and will continue through 2025.
About West Texas A&M University
WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degrees, including two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.
—WT—