WT Social Work Student Wins Prestigious Scholarship

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

CANYON, Texas — A West Texas A&M University graduate student has won a major scholarship to continue her work in spreading awareness of mental health issues.

Sherika Scotland, a graduate student in social work from the U.S. Virgin Islands, recently was awarded a $5,000 scholarship from the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health.

The Hogg Foundation, established in 1940 and based at the University of Texas at Austin, works to transform mental health in Texas by advancing equity, supporting community-led initiatives, and addressing the social determinants of mental well-being. Through grants, scholarships, and programs, the foundation supports future mental health professionals who are committed to improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities across the state.

“As an Afro-Caribbean individual who has been open about my desire to change the stigma surrounding mental health, specifically within communities of Blacks, indigenous people, and persons of color here in the Panhandle, as well as within my home community of the U.S. Virgin Islands, this is truly motivating,” Scotland said. “Receiving this scholarship validates he work I've put into my master’s degree and empowers me to continue striving to spread mental health awareness.”

In addition to being a fulltime student and a mother to a toddler, Scotland is an intern at NWTX Behavioral Health and a success coach and instructor at Amarillo College.

“Sherika Scotland was nominated by our faculty for this scholarship because she exemplifies the dedication, insight and compassion necessary to improve mental health care in Texas, particularly in underserved regions,” said Kristy Bartlett, master of science in social work program director in the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Social Work in the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences. “She exemplifies the highest values of the social work profession. We are proud of her recognition for her commitment and leadership, and we are certain she will continue to have a significant impact in the mental health field.”

Following her expected graduation in May 2026, Scotland hops to begin offering telehealth therapy to people both in Texas and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Scotland and her WT instructors are meeting regional needs, 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.

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