Special Cornette Library Collection Opens at WT to Support First-Generation Students

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — First-generation college students have a major new resource to help them navigate college life thanks to a new collaboration at West Texas A&M University.

Cornette Library opened its new first-generation special collection during a 3 p.m. April 29 reception.

“Our mission is to support students in finding information and developing their information literacy skills, so Cornette Library is pleased to offer resources and space that will assist first-generation students have positive library experiences that will support them in their educational journey at WT,” said Shawna Kennedy-Witthar, director of information and library resources.

The collection—which includes books and other resources, as well as study spaces—was made possible through a portion of a $25,000 grant from Bank of America to WT’s first-generation students. The grant was announced in September.

“Often, special collections are scattered around libraries, but this one is housed in one easy-to-access location near the south entrance on the main floor,” said Dr. George Pacheco Jr., associate professor of communication and F1RSTGEN adviser.

Nearly 50 percent of WT’s student population is first-generation.

The University's commitment to first-generation students was recognized nationally when the Center for First-Generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA–Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation, announced that WT was one of 53 institutions in its initial 2022-23 First-Gen Forward cohort.

This designation recognizes institutions that demonstrate a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students.

Reflecting and serving the varied population of the Texas Panhandle, including first-generation students, is a key mission of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign’s new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised more than $165 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT, a Regional Research University, is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. 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 more than 9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and 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—