WT Expanding Half-Off Tuition Offer to Educators Throughout Texas

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

Educators Excellence Initiative Now Available to Regions 17, 18 and 1A, 2A Schools

CANYON, Texas — Thousands of school employees throughout most of the western part of Texas and at small schools around the state now are eligible for 50-percent discounts for continuing their education at West Texas A&M University.

The WT Educators Excellence Initiative launched in June in the Region 16 Education Service Center in the Panhandle, offering half-off tuition and mandatory fees for full-time teachers, administrators, librarians, nurses, counselors or paraprofessionals, as well as employees of the ESC.

Now, the initiative is expanding to Regions 17 and 18, as well as 1A and 2A school across the state. The initiative’s expansion is expected to cover tens of thousands of full-time educators in the state.

“WT began as a normal school, providing a training ground for educators, and the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences remains central to WT’s mission,” WT President Walter V. Wendler said. “The success of the WT Educators Excellence Initiative in Region 16 proves that rural teachers and other school employees are eager to further their education, and we are committed to assisting districts around the state in preparing their employees for the unique opportunities and challenges with smaller school districts.”

Prospective students from those ESCs or school districts may enroll for spring 2026 classes in undergraduate courses or through the WT Graduate School . Students interested in pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership can apply to join the January 2027 cohort.

As of Sept. 12, about 275 Region 16 educators have taken advantage of the offer.

The Educators Excellence Initiative contributed to a more than 2 percent rise in WT’s fall 2025 enrollment. According to numbers released Sept. 11 , WT’s Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences saw the greatest year-over-year increase among WT’s six Colleges, growing more than 6 percent over 2024.

Of the students benefitting from the waiver this fall, 82 percent have majors within the Department of Education , which overall grew more than 7.5 percent.

Region 17, based in Lubbock, covers more than 60 independent school districts and charter schools. Region 18, based in Midland, covers about 40 school districts and charter schools. More than 10,000 total employees are expected to be eligible in both regions.

Additionally, employees at more than 400 1A and 2A schools in the state outside Regions 16, 17 and 18 are now eligible.

“We are very appreciative of WT giving the opportunity for employees in school districts across Region 17 to receive a 50 percent reduction in tuition and mandatory fees,” said Dr. Kyle Wargo, executive director. “This clearly demonstrates the commitment to supporting educational excellence.”

Dr. Dewitt Smith, executive director/CEO of Region 18 ESC, echoed Wargo.

“We are incredibly grateful for West Texas A&M University’s commitment to the educators of our region,” Dewitt said. “This partnership not only reflects a shared belief in the value of public education, but it also creates a meaningful pathway for our Region 18 ESC staff and district employees to continue their growth and deepen their impact. Opportunities like this strengthen our schools, invest in our communities, and ultimately support students across West Texas.”

To check eligibility or to enroll, prospective students should email admissions@wtamu.edu or registrar@wtamu.edu .

The initiative follows in the footsteps of WT’s Employee and Family Tuition and Fees Reduction program, which was offered first to full-time University employees beginning in May 2022 .

Both the Educators Excellence Initiative and the WT half-off waivers are considered to be among the most generous offered by any state college or university in Texas or The Texas A&M University System.

Other conditions, including financial aid benefits, may apply to the total cost of tuition. 

WT opened in 1910 as West Texas State Normal College, a school that trained teachers. Today, about 75 percent of all teachers and administrators throughout the Panhandle region have at least one degree or certificate from WT.

Serving the people of Texas, primarily in rural regions, is the key mission in 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 has raised more than $175 million and will continue through 2025.

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.

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