WT Childcare Center Unveils New Name and Endowment

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

CANYON, Texas — West Texas A&M University is taking a significant step forward in its efforts to provide nurturing care for children.

The West Texas A&M University Child Development Center , formerly known as Kids Kollege, provides quality care and educational experiences for children of the WT community and beyond.

“This new name more accurately conveys our comprehensive approach to nurturing children's cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth, and highlights our connection to the vibrant West Texas region,” said Dr. Shawn Fouts, senior director of campus community. “It also better aligns with contemporary standards and best practices in early childhood education.”

The center also recently received word that it won a $108,000 grant from the Stella Kemble Trust, establishing a new endowment that will provide perpetual support for the program.

“The endowment, set up by the estate of a longstanding contributor to the childcare center, will provide us with additional funding to support our center through supplemental assistance,” said Dr. Chris Thomas, vice president for student affairs. “It also demonstrates the perceived value of the Center and is an invaluable starting investment fund as we work to increase our endowment.”

The endowment fund, for which additional donations will be accepted, will provide funding for students who cannot afford the full cost of childcare.

Photo: Christy Stockton is the new director of the newly renamed WT Child Development Center.

Additionally, Christy Stockton officially assumed her duties as director of the WT Child Development Center on Sept. 1.

“We believe this new identity will enhance our ability to serve families and secure future opportunities for growth and program expansion,” Stockton said. “Our commitment to providing a safe, stimulating and supportive environment for all children remains unwavering.”

Stockton has worked as the center’s assistant director for the past 20 years.

The WT Child Development Center, located on the east side of the Virgil Henson Activities Center at 2620 N. Russell Long Blvd., opened 1994. It is a state-licensed childcare facility for children 18 months to 5 years old.

By creating opportunities for children to engage in self-planned as well as staff-directed activities, the needs of the individual child as well as the group as a whole are met. The center’s curriculum focuses on key experiences such as creative representation, language and literacy, social skills, classifications, movement, space and music. Thematic units used throughout the year encourage active learning.

The WT Child Development Center serves 56 children from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The facility serves the families of WT students, faculty and staff, as well as community members, as space is available.

Since 2024 , the center has been in an agreement with Plemons-Stinnett-Phillips Consolidated School District that provides a certified teacher for the WT daycare and simultaneously boosts the average daily attendance of students the school district serves. The agreement is part of a collaboration between the Texas Education Agency and The Texas A&M University System,  first announced in 2023 .

Making a regional impact is a key goal 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 $170 million.

About West Texas A&M University

A Regional Research University, West Texas A&M 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. A Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, WT 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. WT recently earned a Carnegie Foundation classification as a Research College and University. The University also is 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 16 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

Top photo: West Texas A&M University Child Development Center student Griffin Lee enjoys craft time with Isabella Mayo, head pre-kindergarten teacher.

—WT—