Top Students, Faculty in WT College of Nursing and Health Sciences Honored

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

CANYON, Texas — Outstanding students and faculty in West Texas A&M University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences were recognized at a year-end reception.

Students from each of the College’s departments—the Laura and Joe Street School of Nursing, Speech and Hearing Sciences, Sports and Exercise Sciences, and Health Sciences—were honored May 1, as were all scholarship recipients, Dean’s and President’s List recipients, and honor graduates.

“We have had a remarkable year in the College, with continuing successes in each of our areas,” said Dr. Holly Jeffreys, dean and the Ware University Distinguished Professor. “We are grateful that we can celebrate these successes together and look forward to another impactful year.”

Heart of Excellence award winners were Dr. Alee Friemel, the Northwest Texas Healthcare System / Eunice King Professor in Nursing; and Koben Puckett, founder of the Koben Puckett Professional Bull Rider competition, which raises funds for the Press On Foundation for people affected by spinal cord injuries.

Friemel coordinates WT’s Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or RN-BSN, program, which helps working nurses continue their education.

“Alee has worked closely with prospective students, sharing her personal experiences as a student in the program and highlighting the programs advantages and strengths,” said Dr. Collette Loftin, interim department head for the Street School of Nursing. “Alee’s commitment to personal growth, demonstrated most clearly through her recent graduation with her doctor of nursing practice degree and committee service, is reflected in her consistently high performance, earning her the respect and admiration of both faculty and peers.”

Puckett has worked with the College for the past decade, providing numerous students with internship opportunities.

“Thanks to their unique experience and skillset, Koben’s interns have graduated from several top physical and occupational therapy programs,” said Dr. Blake Price, director of the Sports and Exercise Science program. “In addition to his internship program, Koben is also a regular guest speaker in the Foundations of Sports and Exercise Science class, providing unique information to students about spinal cord injuries, rehabilitation techniques and how to maintain a positive outlook on life no matter the circumstances.”

Nursing students recognized were Bethany Riddley of Amarillo, Outstanding Junior 1 Student; Bryson Osborne of Pampa, Outstanding Junior 2 Student; Nasayha Estrada of Amarillo, Outstanding Senior 1 Student; Ramon Reyes of Farwell, Outstanding Senior 2 Student; Mary Coursey of College Station, Outstanding RN-BSN Student; Malesa Gray of Panhandle; Outstanding Family Nurse Practitioner Student; Ciara Garcia of Channelview, Outstanding Comprehensive Student; and Angie Chadwick of Amarillo, Outstanding Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Student.

Speech and Hearing Sciences students recognized were Nevaeh Coronado of Hereford, Outstanding Junior Student; Kelsey Frost of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Outstanding Senior Student; Emily Knight, a graduate student from Amarillo, Outstanding Poster Presentation; Jordyn Tinsley of Devol, Oklahoma, Outstanding First-Year Graduate Student; and Kim Follis of Amarillo, Outstanding Second-Year Graduate Student.

Sports and Exercise Science students recognized were Katelyn Lechwar, a junior from Tulia, Outstanding All-Level SES Student; Shelby Burkhead, a senior from Lubbock, Outstanding Athletic Training Student; Creighton Killian, a senior from Wellington, Outstanding Exercise Science Student; Lexi Maul, a graduate student from Pampa, Outstanding Exercise Science Student; Mike Cruz, a senior from Amarillo, Outstanding Human Performance Student; Ainsley Malis of Tucson, Arizona, Outstanding Graduate Student; and Najely Ascacio, a senior sports and exercise science major from Amarillo, Outstanding Student Researcher.

Outstanding Health Sciences students were Jory Barrera, a senior from Amarillo, and, for the RELLIS campus, Peyton Tipton, a junior from Richmond.

Faculty members recognized were Dr. Trisha Brown, assistant professor of sports and exercise science, for teaching; Dr. Lee Doernte, assistant professor of sports and exercise science, for research; and Laura Wagner, instructor of nursing, for service.

Promoting, recognizing and rewarding excellence is in line with 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.

Photo: West Texas A&M University students recognized as outstanding students at a May 1 College of Nursing and Health Sciences reception were, from left, Katelyn Lechwar, Ramon Reyes, Najely Ascacio, Shelby Burkhead, Bryson Osborne, Jordyn Tinsley, Emily Knight, Kelsey Frost, Ainsley Malis, Angie Chadwick, Nasayha Estrada, Jory Barrera, Nevaeh Coronado, Kim Follis, Malesa Gray and Bethany Ridley. Not pictured are Mike Cruz, Creighton Killian and Lexi Maul. Not pictured are Mary Coursey, Ciara Garcia and Peyton Tipton.

—WT—