WT Faculty Celebrate Promotion and Tenure

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

Photo: West Texas A&M University faculty members who were granted tenure include, from left, Dr. Erik Crosman, Bradley Behrmann, Dr. Trisha Brown, Misty Gamble, Dr. Brandon Bang and Dr. Sanjoy Bhattacharia. Not pictured are Dr. Loni Lucherk and Dr. Anirban Pal.

CANYON, Texas — Fourteen West Texas A&M University faculty members have been recognized for outstanding performance by being awarded tenure and/or promotion for the 2025-2026 academic year.

This total includes nine faculty members awarded tenure and promotion, and five promotions in academic rank to professor.

Extensive reviews and recommendations by faculty colleagues at the department, college and university levels inform the decisions, which culminate with final approval by President Walter V. Wendler and The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. The Regents officially approved tenure at their May meeting; the System was notified of promotions in June.

Promotion and tenure is a privilege reserved for faculty members who have demonstrated professional accomplishments in instructional responsibilities, intellectual contributions and service.

“We are proud of our colleagues who are celebrating this well-deserved career milestone,” said Dr. Neil Terry, provost and executive vice president of academic affairs. “We have confidence that these faculty members will continue to contribute at a level of excellence that is critical to WT’s mission.”

The faculty members recognized include:

Award of tenure and promotion:

• Dr. Brandon Bang, associate professor of criminal justice;
• Bradley Behrmann, associate professor of musical theatre;
• Dr. Sanjoy Bhattacharia, associate professor of mechanical engineering;
• Dr. Trisha Brown, associate professor of sports and exercise sciences;
• Dr. Erik Crosman, associate professor of environmental sciences;
• Misty Gamble, associate professor of 3D art and the Steven Mayes Professor of Visual Art;
• Dr. Loni Lucherk, associate professor of animal science and Dr. Gordon W. Davis Chair in Meat Judging;
• Dr. Anirban Pal, associate professor of mechanical engineering; and
• Dr. Oscar Solis, professor of finance and Gene Edwards Professor of Financial Planning.

Promotion to professor:

• Dr. Michelle Bartlett, professor of sports and exercise sciences;
• Dr. Vanessa Fiaud, professor of sports and exercise sciences;
• Dr. Neil Meredith, professor of economics and the Hassan and Jill Dana Professor of Business; and
• Dr. Kelly McCauley, professor of management and the Engler Professor of Management.

Dr. Craig Bednarz, professor of agriculture and the Stan and Gerry Sigman Professor of Water Resources, was approved for tenure in November and recognized with the others at a May 8 end-of-year assembly.

Nurturing excellent faculty is a key component 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.

Top photo: West Texas A&M University faculty members promoted to professor include, from left, Dr. Oscar Solis, Dr. Kelly McCauley, Dr. Neil Meredith, Dr. Craig Bednarz and Dr. Vanessa Fiaud. Not pictured is Dr. Michelle Bartlett.

—WT—