Trio of Illustrious WT Graduates Honored as 2025 Distinguished Alumni

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

CANYON, Texas — Three esteemed West Texas A&M University graduates were honored Oct. 2 as the University’s 2025 Distinguished Alumni.

Kody Carson, Sonja Clark and Judge Elisha Demerson were celebrated during the annual Phoenix event in Legacy Hall inside the Jack B. Kelley Student Center on the Canyon campus.

The event is one of the highlights of the ongoing WT Homecoming celebrations. For a full schedule of events, visit wtamu.edu/homecoming.

“You embody the excellence which defines a WT education,” WT President Walter V. Wendler said at the celebration. “Each of you are an example of what a graduate of WT can accomplish. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor.”

Carson earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural business in 1983, then a master’s in agricultural economics from Texas Tech University.

Though he has spent most of his life working on his Olton farm, his impact stretches around the globe. Carson has served as chairman of the National Sorghum Producers and the sorghum representative to the U.S. Grains Council.

He continues to serve on numerous boards and committees at the local, state and national levels, including the executive boards of Plains Cotton Cooperative Association, Skyland Regional Cooperatives, and the Southwest Council of Agriculture.

Carson said he feels he is in “pretty lofty company” to be named a Distinguished Alumnus.

“I’m not sure how I wound up here, but it’s a great honor because I love WT. I wouldn’t be who I am without WT; I wouldn’t be where I am,” Carson said. “I feel humbled and inadequate to be with that group of people, but I appreciate it. From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate it.”

Clark, Amarillo site leader at Bell Textron Inc. in Amarillo, earned her bachelor of science in nursing in 1995 and her master of science in nursing–administration focus in 2000.

She has been with Bell for almost 20 years, serving in multiple leadership roles throughout the organization.

In her current position, she provides strategic leadership and accountability for cross-functional teams and site support for all Amarillo activities and operations.

Prior to joining Bell, Clark was an administrative director for Northwest Texas Healthcare System, a part of Universal Health Services. 

Clark, a Canadian native, is active in the Amarillo community and has served with various organizations, including Amarillo Area Foundation, Texas Association of Community Colleges, WT’s Business Advisory Council and College of Nursing and Health Sciences Advisory Board, the WTAMU Foundation, Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health, United Way of Amarillo & Canyon, High Plains Food Bank, Storybridge, Amarillo Chamber of Commerce and Panhandle Workforce Solutions.

Clark said “it was overwhelming” to be selected.

“I know quite a few people on that list, and there are some amazing people,” Clark said. “To be recognized by the institution that really gave me my start … (and) that aligns with my values is incredibly impactful.”

Demerson, an Amarillo native, earned both his bachelor’s in physics in 1976 and his master of science in engineering technology in 1991 from WT, then worked for several decades for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration at Pantex. Upon his retirement in 2014, Demerson received the department’s career distinguished service award.

In 1978, Demerson was the first Black person elected to the Potter County Commissioners Court, and in 1986, he was elected Potter County Judge, the first Black person elected to a judgeship in Texas. In 2015, he was the first Black official on the Amarillo City Council when he was elected to Place 1.

He has served on the board of directors of many nonprofits and city committees, and currently serves as vice-chair of the St. Anthony’s Legacy and Redevelopment Corp. He has served as senior pastor of Emmanuel Temple Church for almost 30 years.

Demerson said he was surprised to be recognized.

“I can think of many, many more people who would be more deserving it,” Demerson said. “I don’t know how I rise to the level of those individuals who have previously been selected for this honor, so I am humbled by it.”

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor given by the WT Alumni Association and has been given annually since 1970. In that time, 130 alumni have been honored, including this year’s inductees. Each has gained distinction through their professional achievements in career or military service, leadership and impact in their communities, and support to WT.

Accomplished alumni such as these help WT reach the goals 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 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.

Photo: West Texas A&M University honored its 2025 Distinguished Alumni at the Phoenix on Oct. 2. Honorees were, from left, Judge Elisha Demerson, Kody Carson and Sonja Clark.

—WT—