Former Students Can Complete Long-Delayed Degree Through Revamped WT Plan

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

CANYON, Texas — Former students still hoping to finish their college degree even decades later may find their goal may be closer than they think, thanks to a newly updated initiative at West Texas A&M University.

WT’s It’s Never Too Late initiative, which originally launched in 2016, is now open to former students who have completed 60 or more college hours.

Students who paused their education at WT will be contacted by the Office of Admissions. Students who attended another college or University should contact Admissions at admissions@wtamu.edu or 806-651-2020 to begin the enrollment process.

Participating students may also complete an embedded associate degree while pursuing a bachelor’s degree, thanks to a program that launched in 2025.

“We look at this program as a way to help our students finish what they started,” said Dr. Rick Haasl, vice president for enrollment management. “We understand that students sometimes have to pause their education to deal with family or other personal issues, and we also know that those students often come back better prepared to persist and finish their degree.”

The initiative was one of President Walter V. Wendler’s first proposals when he arrived at WT in 2016. It previously applied to prospective students who had completed 90 or more hours.

“It is still the case that a college degree boosts lifetime earnings for graduates,” Wendler said. “WT is committed to serving our region every way possible. Providing a means for someone who paused their education to finally obtain their degree is just one more way WT, as the Panhandle’s university, can be responsive to the needs and opportunities of our neighbors.”

Prospective students can enjoy flexible course options; advising, technical, tutoring and professional development resources; and no re-application fee.

Students who have completed coursework toward a master’s or doctoral program also may be eligible to return and complete their degree.

To get started, students must first apply for undergraduate or graduate admission, then register for classes. Dedicated advisers will be assigned to each INTL student.

Students do not enroll in an associate degree program, so the plan is not meant to compete with community colleges. Rather, the degree is automatically awarded to them once they meet the requirements. They are mailed a diploma, but they do not take part in graduation ceremonies. These degrees are not awarded to students who already hold an associate degree.

Providing regionally responsive academic programs is a key mission of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which raised more than $200 million dollars, the largest such campaign in Texas Panhandle history.

About West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University is a Regional Research University 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 boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers multiple options for students to graduate and succeed: 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 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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