WEST TEXANA PUBLICATION OF THE WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION • SPRING 2017

THE

Hunter Hughes brings a wealth of experience to the field as the 28th coach in WT football history.

Story on page 6

Dr. Emily Hunt’s powerful powder is fighting the good fight.

Story on page 22

Online degree programs prove to be a popular choice at WT.

Story on page 16

Ben Johnson ’12, brings craft beer culture to Canyon.

Story on page 10

Home Brew

NanotechnologyGreat and Small

OnlineM sters

THE NEWS

ON HUGHES

1buffalum.com

Dear Buff family,

This issue of The

West Texan was a lot

of fun to read. There

is so much going on

at West Texas A&M

University and with

our alumni around

the world. We are

excited to bring

you some of their

stories and invite you to submit story ideas if you

or an alumnus you know are doing something

interesting, unique or global. Cover to cover you’re

going to read about the WT you remember so

fondly, as well as programs and events that keep us

an active competitor in a global marketplace.

To our contributing members—Thank you for

your support of the WT Alumni Association. If you

haven’t yet considered becoming a donor, we hope

you’ll take time to after reading the magazine.

Donors make The West Texan print edition possible,

provide scholarship support and help to fund

dozens of activities throughout the year.

Go Buffs,

Becky Stogner

Executive Director

WT Alumni Association

Note: As we go to print, we’re preparing to honor

this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipients,

host our third Grad’s Guide to Life event, welcome

a new class of graduates, plan summer alumni

activities and begin work on Homecoming. (Mark

your calendars for Oct. 14.) You won’t want to miss

the next edition of The West Texan—you’ll read all

about these things and more.

 

Ben Johnson ’12, is introducing a new culture to Canyon’s town square.

YOU DO WHAT?

CONTENTSTHE WEST TEXAN • SPRING 2017

WT faculty and staff have received awards, published works and been elected to serve.

The West Texan’s column featuring alumni with unusual jobs.

Hunter Hughes brings a wealth of experience to the football field.

ONLINE MASTERS

Online programs are popular with WT students.

16

HALL OF CHAMPIONS

Athletics honors its own with the induction of six new members.

21

10 HOME BREW

2 4 THE NEWS ON HUGHESFACULTY AND STAFF ACCOMPLISHMENTS

6

WT’s nursing program continues its success on pass rates of first-time test takers.

26LICENSING SCORES

IN THE LIMELIGHT22

NANOTECHNOLOGY

GREAT AND SMALL

A patented powder developed by Dr. Emily Hunt is making strides in the fight against bacteria.

Discover how to keep connected through an Alumni Association membership.

14 WTAMU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION2017 Executive Committee

The West Texas A&M University Alumni Association is a non-profit corporation organized for the benefit of WTAMU, a member of The Texas A&M University System. The WTAMU Alumni Association is located in Buffalo Courts on the WTAMU campus in Canyon, Texas.

The West Texan is the official publication of the WTAMU Alumni Association. The magazine is published two times a year by the WTAMU Office of Communication and Marketing. Editorial offices are located in Old Main on the West Texas A&M University campus. Send alumni news information to rmcdonald@wtamu.edu. We welcome story ideas and suggestions.

Postage is paid at Amarillo, Texas. Postmaster: Send address changes to The West Texan, WTAMU Alumni Association, WTAMU Box 60753, Canyon, Texas 79016 or visit BUFFalum.com to update contact information.

Activate your Alumni Association membership online at buffalum.com.Follow us:twitter.com/wtalumnifacebook.com/wtalumniinstagram.com/wtalumnilinkedIn: WT Alumni Association

Executive EditorBecky Stogner

EditorRana McDonald

PublisherAnn Underwood ’99

Art DirectorCatherine McGovern

WritersRana McDonald Darcy Lively ’99Brittany Castillo ’14

Photography Rik Andersen ’89,’15 Darcy Lively ’99

ProductionKaren Edwards

THE WEST TEXANA MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY.

BECKY STOGNER DIRECTOR FOR ALUMNI RELATIONS AND UNIVERSITY ENGAGEMENT

BARBARA PALMER ’78, ’81 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR ALUMNI RELATIONS AND UNIVERSITY ENGAGEMENT

AMBER BUSTOS ’11, ’15 COORDINATOR FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI COMMUNICATIONS

LISA INSALL ’93, ’01 ALUMNI RELATIONS COORDINATOR

David Willis ’79 Zenobia Harris Bivens ’03J’Lynn Newman Wheeler ’80

PresidentPresident Elect

Secretary

ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONBoard of Directors

Zenobia Harris Bivens ’03 Jesse Cross ’79Natalie Jackson ’05Cody Myers ’79, ’87

John Osborne ’94, ’95David Sims ’65Ron Watts ’71 David Willis ’79

J’Lynn Newman Wheeler ’80

Liz Moore ’01, ’04, a research associate at WT and a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticultural agent in Randall County, was one of 15 members of the Environmental Landscape Plant Evaluation Team honored with the AgriLife Extension Superior Service Award in January at Texas A&M University in College Station. The Superior Service award recognizes AgriLife Extension personnel who provide outstanding performance in education or other outstanding service to the organization and Texans. The 15-member team worked together to create a national network of peer-reviewed environmental plant trials to identify the best-adapted landscape plants from flowers and fruit to herbs and ornamental grasses.

Dr. Gerald Schultz, professor of geology, is the author

of two articles published in the New Mexico Museum

of Natural History and Science, Albuquerque, N.M.

Bulletin. The first article is titled “The Red Coral

(Proctor Ranch) Local Fauna (Pliocene, Blancan) of

Oldham County, Texas,” 73, 2016, pages 1-62. A second

article is titled “A Skull and Jaws of Brachypsalis

Modicus (Mammalia, Carnivora, Mustelidae,

Oligobuninae) from the Late Miocene Clarendon

Fauna of Donley County, Texas,” 74, 2016, pages 249-

259. Rik Andersen ’89, ’15, university photographer,

provided the photos of the skull and jawbone included

in Schultz’s second article.

Dr. Lal Almas ’94, professor of agricultural business and economics, and Dr. Bridget Guerrero ’02, ’03, assistant professor of agricultural business and economics, won first place at the Southern Agricultural Economic Association 49th annual meeting Feb. 4-7 in Mobile, Ala., for their research poster titled “Impact of Volatile Commodity Prices and Investment Costs on the Economic Feasibility of Subsurface Drip Irrigation.”

Dr. Lance Baker, professor of agricultural sciences, has been recognized as an Equine Graduate of Distinction by the Department of Animal Science at Oklahoma State University. He earned both his master’s (1993) and doctoral (1995) degrees at OSU and joins some of the leading professionals in the equine industry in the university’s inaugural class of Equine Graduates of Distinction.

Chad Holliday, assistant professor of art, and Chloe Rizzo, part-time instructor, were showcased at a visiting artists exhibition of “Ataraxia” March 13-18 at Neusole Glassworks in Cincinnati, Ohio. A special event on March 18 included live demonstrations and a gallery reception. The exhibition featured Holliday’s work in glass and Rizzo’s work in clay.

Dr. Emily Kinsky, an associate professor in mass communication, has been added to the Fulbright Specialist Program list as a Fulbright Specialist candidate. She will be on the list for five years and can be requested to serve for short-term project needs at academic institutions in more than 140 countries.

Carol Lovelady is the new director of the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. Dr. Walter Wendler, University president, made the announcement in January, and Lovelady began her duties immediately. She had been serving as the museum’s interim director, filling the position after Guy “Cliff” Vanderpool left in April 2016 to take a position at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth.

wtamu.edu 3

faculty and staff accomplishments

WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

WT faculty and staff members have received awards, published works and been elected to serve in various capacities.

Officials at West Texas A&M University received reaffirmation of its accreditation through 2026 from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The reaffirmation comes after a series of vigorous reviews—both on-site and off-site—to ensure that WTAMU is continuing to provide the resources, programs and services to accomplish its mission of excellence in teaching and learning. The University was first accredited in 1925 and last reaffirmed in 2006. It is an important element of recognition for students working toward degrees at WTAMU.

REAFFIRMATION OF ACCREDITATION

THE WEST TEXAN

West Texas A&M University’s theatre production of Brooklyn: the musical, received six national awards from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in recognition of its outstanding work at the Region VI showcase in March at Angelo State University. The awards include Distinguished Production of a Musical; Distinguished Ensemble of a Musical; Distinguished Direction of a Musical; Distinguished Choreography; Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Musical; and Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Musical.

PERFORMANCE, PLEASE

The WTAMU Foundation awarded Foundation Development Grants in amounts ranging from $696 to $1,000 for everything from travel to research. WTAMU Foundation Board members host the annual WTAMU Foundation Golf Tournament to raise monies to fund these grants. Since its inception in the fall of 2012, almost $72,000 has been awarded by the WTAMU Foundation Development Grant program.

The grant recipients, recognized at a special reception in March, are listed with their project or activity.

• Dr. James Burton Collins, assistant professor of mathematics—presentation of a paper at the American Mathematical Society and Mathematical Association of America

• Dr. Betty Coneway ’06, assistant professor of education, and Dr. Sang Hwang, associate professor of education—research study on early childhood education at Opportunity School

• Dr. Emily Kinsky, assistant professor of communication—head of the public relations division of the Association for Education in Journalism Conference

• Dr. Kristin L. Kuhlmann, assistant professor of nursing—attending a nurse practitioner workshop for national accreditation requirements

• Anne Medlock-Ely, assistant professor of theatre—chairing a session at the U.S. Institute of Theatre Technology Conference

• Dr. Bonnie Roos, associate professor of English—presentation of a paper at the Modernist Studies Association Conference

• Dr. Leslie Ramos Salazar, assistant professor of computer information and decision management—presentation of a paper at the Association for Business Communication/Decision Science Institute

• Dr. Daniel Seth, professor of mathematics—presentation of a paper at the Joint Mathematics Meeting

• Dr. Laurie Sharp, assistant professor of education— co-chair the Texas Association for Literacy Education Annual Conference

• Dr. James Arn Womble, assistant professor of engineering—participation in a panel discussion at the American Society of Civil Engineers, Structural Engineering Institute Conference

Foundation development Grants

West Texas A&M University’s National Broadcasting Society (NBS) chapter garnered four grand prize awards at the 75th National Broadcasting Society National Convention in March in New York City. In addition to the four grand prize trophies, NBS members also received recognition as Model Chapter and an honorable mention in the category of Chapter of the Year. Individual members were recognized, including NBS President Tim Rivera, who was named national Member of the Year, and WT alumnus Wilson Lemieux ’14, who was named Professional Member of the Year.

GRAND PRIZE WINNERSThe West Texas A&M University CFA Research Challenge team is advancing to the Western Hemisphere Championship after winning the 2017 Southwest U.S. Championship at the University of Houston in February. The CFA Institute Research Challenge—Southwest U.S. is an annual stock research competition hosted by the Charted Financial Analysts’ (CFA) societies of Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma and part of the Global CFA Institute Research Challenge.

REGIONAL WIN

Retired professor, Dr. Robert Earl Beckley, died Thursday, March 30 in Amarillo just six days shy of his 76th birthday. A memorial service celebrating his life was

conducted April 4 in Canyon, followed by a private burial in Llano Cemetery.

Beckley spent 39 years at West Texas A&M University and taught sociology and criminal justice. He chaired the Department of Sociology and Social Work from 1979 to 1986 and headed the committee to plan and implement the M.A. degree in criminal justice. He served as president of the WTAMU Foundation Board from 2001-2002, and as its interim director from September 2002 through February 2003. Beckley received WTAMU’s Distinguished Graduate Faculty Award for 2004-05 and the Provost’s Appreciation Award for Outstanding Contributions for 2006-07. He served as organist for WTAMU commencement exercises for more than 30 years. He retired from teaching in 2014 and was named Professor Emeritus in 2015.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, and numerous cousins. Memorial gifts may be made to the Brian M. Beckley Scholarship, WTAMU Development Foundation, WTAMU Box 60766, Canyon, Texas 79016-001 or to the First Presbyterian Church, 904 19th Street, Canyon, Texas 79015.

in memorium

buffalum.com 5THE WEST TEXAN

West Texas A&M University’s Black Student Union, in conjunction with Campus 2 Community and the Office for Diversity and Inclusion, hosted a reenactment of the Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream” speech in January on the Vaughan Pedestrian Mall on campus. Julian Reese, a MLK impersonator, delivered the “I Have a Dream” speech, and University Photographer Rik Andersen ’89, ’15, photographed the scene. The photos were similar to those taken in 1963 when King delivered his speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during his march on Washington.

The WTAMU Symphonic Band was one of nine ensembles chosen nationwide to perform at the 2017 National College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Convention. Selection was through a blind peer-reviewed audition process. The band has been under the direction of only two conductors—Dr. Gary Garner and Don Lefevre. Under their direction, the Symphonic Band has established a national reputation through past performances at the College Band Directors National Association, Carnegie Hall and 14 performances at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention.

DREAM REENACTMENT AND THE BAND PLAYED ON

Like most college freshmen, J.T. Sherrer questioned his major and place at school. It was 2010, and he had completed his first semester at Oklahoma State University majoring in sports broadcasting. Though he liked the social element of mass communications, Sherrer missed the stage and making people laugh.

When he returned to Amarillo for the holidays, he toured West Texas A&M University with Royal Brantley, Regents Professor of Theatre, and auditioned for his first of many roles in WT productions. Sherrer felt at home in the theatre department and quickly transferred to begin a career that would take him across the world with Walt Disney World and Royal Caribbean.

He grew up involved in community organizations and performed in Amarillo Little Theater productions. He enjoyed being around people and was a natural comedian. Admittedly, he most often played characters such as an elderly man or a funny animal, and he did it well. At WT, Sherrer majored in theatre education

with the goal of one day teaching and was cast in numerous shows throughout his collegiate career. He completed an internship with the Amarillo Opera and performed in the TEXAS musical for four seasons. During these formative years, Sherrer expanded his range by exploring new elements of performance through song and dance.

“I took vocal lessons from Matthew Oglesby, instructor of music, at WT, and during my first year at TEXAS, Choreographer Crystal Bertrand really made me into a dancer. I took two years of tap lessons, three years of ballet and even tried modern dance,” he said. “I don’t view myself as a technical dancer, but Crystal really had an influence on the way I try something new. Instead of being in my head about what I can’t do, I have a good attitude when trying, which shows what I can do.”

With optimism, Sherrer sought new experiences to broaden his understanding of theatre performance. He embraced challenges knowing

J.T. Sherrer ’14, is taking

his act around the world

By Brittany Castillo ’14 • Courtesy Photos from

J.T. Sherrer and Photo by Rik Andersen ’89, ’15YOU DOnot to take himself too seriously and remaining open to different opportunities. During a theatre trip to Chicago his senior year, Sherrer auditioned for Walt Disney World, relying on his basic dance training at WT and confidence to impress the talent committee.

“They taught us a 64-count dance combination with a little bit of everything to see what we could do,” he said. “They’re good at figuring out what you’re good at. They even noticed I had a great projection voice.”

In 2014, Sherrer graduated from WT and moved to Orlando, Fla., as a performer for Walt Disney World. He hosted environmentally friendly events in Epcot Theme Park during the day and was a dancer for Cinderella’s

Court in the two Electrical Parades at night. For nearly a year, he worked among 75,000 cast members in the happiest place on Earth performing for visitors around the world.

“I was working for Disney, and I realized I hadn’t

auditioned for anything in a while. And as a performer, it’s important to keep those skills sharp,” said Sherrer. “I saw the sign ‘Royal Caribbean Dancing’ and I never thought about a cruise ship but the audition sounded fun. I got through each round of auditions and out of a few hundred people, I was one of three offered a position. I was scheduled to board my first eight-month tour in August 2015.”

During his first contract on the Freedom of the Seas, Sherrer performed in three shows on a ship that circled the Eastern and Western Caribbean to Haiti, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, the Bahamas, St. Thomas and St. Martin. In his second contract, he performed in four shows aboard the Harmony of the Seas sailing around Europe to Spain, France and Italy.

“On the Freedom, there were 1,400 crew members and only 36 of us were from the U.S. It’s been one of the coolest experiences to meet people from so far away,” said Sherrer. “I never expected to be in these parts of the world for work, it’s been incredible.”

In only two years, Sherrer has seen 11 countries and marveled at worldly historic landmarks like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. He traveled across the Atlantic Ocean, swam with stingrays, and moved thousands of people with theatre. After 12 months of life at sea, he returned to Amarillo for the holidays with his family.

“Royal Caribbean was an incredible

life experience that showed me the world, and I’m most appreciative of the training that got me there,” said Sherrer. “I used techniques on the ship I learned in my first acting class in second grade. I’ve taken so much of my former teachers and co-workers with me everywhere I’ve gone.”

Sherrer’s next chapter will be in Chicago to dive into the world of improvisational comedy. He will be among a talented network of WT alumni also with performance backgrounds. He will continue his theatre education with classes and auditions while exploring his new windy city. However, with each new experience Sherrer holds onto one practice for him and his future theatre students.

“The key to comedy and acting is not being afraid to fail. If you’re in your head about being perfect then you’re not really letting yourself try. But when you bring everything to the table, you can find and build upon all the good things.” Sherrer said. “I still plan to teach but right now my priority is to gain as much experience as possible to give knowledge to my students.”

WHAT?

It sounds like a daunting task—more than 60 towns in five months—but West Texas A&M University President Walter Wendler is on the road in a “Your Community, Your University” tour of the Texas Panhandle. Wendler’s tour kicked off in January and will continue through May with stops planned for Dalhart, Childress and all points in between. The tours are open to the public, and Wendler hopes to meet everyone from teachers to business owners as well as WTAMU alumni during the visits. Learn more at wtamu.edu/wendlertour.

WHERE IS WENDLER?The West Texas A&M University Symphony Orchestra earned third-place for its performance of Libby Larsen’s Four on the Floor in the American Prize competition of the Ernst Bacon Memorial Award in the Performance of American Music for 2016. The WTAMU Symphony Orchestra, led by Dr. Mark Bartley, competed in the college/university division of the annual international competition. The Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of American Music makes winning selections based on submitted recordings of orchestras and choruses from across the country.

SOUNDS OF SUCCESS

the news

on hughes

THE WEST TEXAN gobuffsgo.com 7

Story byDarcy Lively ‘99

Photos by Rik Andersen ‘89, ‘15

Five Questions For Hunter Hughes

WT’s Head Football Coach

the news

on hughes

We caught up with the new leader of West Texas A&M University football to pick his brain about his new team, the possibility

of bringing a stadium to the WT campus and his superpower preferences.

Hunter Hughes and new coaching staff members (from left to right) Rodney Freeman, Patric Youngman ’16, Danny McDonald ’17, Markelle Martin, J.T. Haddan, Cooper Bassett, Ryan McDonough, Miles Kochevar, Deontrae Cooper, Michael Collins. Not pictured: Austin Ashcraft

THE WEST TEXAN

WTAMU Announces Agreement-in-Principle with CISD on Kimbrough

West Texas A&M University officials have taken another step toward an on-campus football stadium with the announcement of an agreement-in-principle with the Canyon Independent School District (CISD) for the transfer of Kimbrough Memorial Stadium.

Plans for both the new and current stadiums were announced at a press conference Friday, Feb. 17 at the offices of the Canyon Independent School District and mark a unifying partnership for the common good of the extended community.

Dr. Walter Wendler, WTAMU president, will seek final approval for the construction of an on-campus stadium for WTAMU from The Texas A&M University Board of Regents in April as well as the proposed transfer of Kimbrough Memorial Stadium to CISD. The CISD school board of trustees will also have to approve the transfer agreement.

WTAMU students voted yes to a new on-campus stadium in March 2016, but further study of the plan was announced in September under Wendler’s new leadership. A Houston firm was hired to evaluate the cost and scope of building a new stadium compared to that of renovating Kimbrough Memorial Stadium.

Wendler said the second estimate for the new on-campus stadium was very close to that given in the original program-of-requirements study.

The cost of bringing Kimbrough Memorial Stadium up to program-of-requirements standard and addressing accessibility was higher than a new on-campus stadium. Talks with officials at CISD about a transfer of ownership of the current stadium played a major role in the decision to build an on-campus stadium.

“My goal was to do what was in the best interest of West Texas A&M University and a benefit to Canyon Independent School District, Canyon and Amarillo,” Wendler said. “If this didn’t benefit everyone, we wouldn’t do it—it was something that needed to work together for the common good.”

Under the plan, the new football facility would be constructed just north of Jarrett Hall, where the current soccer/track field is located. The soccer/track field will be relocated just north of the current practice field. The 10-12,000-seat stadium is planned as a horseshoe configuration with the open end at the south end of the field. Concessions and restrooms would be scattered throughout. Construction of the new stadium could begin in late 2017. The soccer/track field would be scheduled for completion in August 2018, while the football stadium would open in summer 2019.

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How do you like WT so far?Love West Texas—the people at the University have been extremely helpful in my

interactions with them throughout my two months so far. The community is very supportive of the University and the athletic teams. The overall electricity on campus from the students and faculty has been more than I ever expected. I am undefeated right now, so hopefully this energy and enthusiasm will continue through football season.

Tell us about the fresh perspective you are bringing to WT football.

What are your thoughts on the proposed on-campus stadium?

Considering your returning players alongside the newest recruits, what are your hopes and goals for the 2017 season?

I have never gone into a game not thinking we were going to win. And I don’t expect to start thinking that way. We have a good solid nucleus of players here already. Combine that with the new players in the fall and the players we will be able to continue to get, and the future is very bright. As for 2017, I expect our players to play hard every play, represent West Texas A&M, the fans and the community in all areas with dignity and respect. Then as the season progresses, get better every week.

And finally, the most revealing question of all, if you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I would want the power of invisibility. Just to be able to move around without being seen seems cool to me.

More accountability. I want the players to understand we have a plan for them to be successful off and on the field. I want to see them graduate and lead very successful lives and in the process, win some championships along the way. Our job as a coaching staff is to prepare these men for the next 40-45 years of their lives, not just the four to five they are on campus. We have set a standard for them to uphold, and if they choose not to meet that standard, they are not going to be a part of the WT program.

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I have never gone into a game not thinking we were going to win…We have a good solid nucleus of players here already. Combine that with the new players in the fall and the players we will be able to continue to get, and the future is very bright.

Coach Hunter Hughes’ First Recruiting Class

WT’s new head football coach, Hunter Hughes, inked 32 players for the Buffs on National Signing Day—13 on defense, 18 on offense and one kicker.

RECRUITS BY POSITIONQUARTERBACKReagan Hill—Amarillo High School, AmarilloRUNNING BACKBrandon Blair—Klein Oak High School, SpringArmani Crosby—Fort Bend Christian High School, Sugar LandTyler Gray—Brock High School, BrockDaven Manning—San Angelo Central High School, San AngeloKobe Marrow—Rowlett High School, RowlettFULLBACKCody Gary—Jacksboro High School, JacksboroWIDE RECEIVEROctavius Brown—Spruce High School, DallasCody Gattis—Randall High School, CanyonRenick Hill—Amarillo High School, AmarilloKailan Noseff—Monterrey High School, LubbockTIGHT ENDAdam Cook—Cleveland High School, Rio Rancho, N.M.Kydan Lott—Lefors High School, LeforsBryce Wade—Eldorado High School, Albuquerque, N.M.OFFENSIVE LINESeth Greer—Clarendon High School, ClarendonDaniel Hammons—Godley High School, JoshuaParker Hanna—Stratford High School, StratfordKhayman Johnson—North Shore High School, HoustonJustin Mayo—Brewer High School, Fort WorthDEFENSIVE LINEDalton Gumina—Klein High School, SpringXavier Rivera—Abernathy High School, AbernathyLord Tripp—San Antonio Jay High School, San AntonioLINEBACKERJoseph Barron—Midland High School, MidlandEric Collins—Bishop Dunne High School, DallasDerek Ditto—Dumas High School, DumasEric Douglas—Mansfield High School, MansfieldWrangler Haresnape—Plainview High School, PlainviewDEFENSIVE BACKAyrton Payne—St. Pius X High School, HoustonTyler Roberston—Dallas Christian High School, ForneyKadrian Seaton—Rowlett High School, RowlettHarold Watson—Converse Judson High School, ConverseKICKERLuis Torres—Perryton High School, Perryton

Additions to 2017 Football Staff Under Head Coach Hunter

 I can’t wait for the new stadium. I was part of a program starting from scratch and building a stadium on campus. It electrified the campus—not just on Saturdays—it became a spot to host many events. The stadium will bring more people to the campus. More potential students will be able to see the excitement build as they come to campus for different events at the stadium. It will also provide opportunities for students to get hands-on experience in their respective fields of study.

I am looking forward to leading the football team through campus, about two hours before the game on our “Buff Walk” to the stadium. To be able to interact with the fans, and the fans see the team before we go into a game will be a special feeling for all fans and players, as well as coaches.

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OTB

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ULE Sept. 2 Buffsvs.AzusaPacific,KimbroughMemorialStadium

Sept. 9 Buffsvs.ColoradoState,KimbroughMemorialStadiumSept. 16 Buffsvs.UTPermianBasin,KimbroughMemorial StadiumSept. 23 Buffsvs.Tarleton,StephenvilleSept. 30 Buffsvs.EasternNewMexico,KimbroughMemorial StadiumOct. 7 Buffsvs.TexasA&M—Kingsville,Kingsville

Oct. 14 Buffs.vs.AdamsState(Homecoming)Oct. 21 Buffsvs.Midwestern,WichitaOct. 28 Buffsvs.TexasA&M—Commerce,KimbroughMemorial StadiumNov. 4 Buffsvs.AngeloState,SanAngeloNov. 11 Buffsvs.WesternNewMexico,KimbroughMemorial Stadium

gobuffsgo.com 9

Austin Ashcraft Cooper Bassett Michael Collins Deontrae Cooper Rodney Freeman J.T. Haddan

Miles Kochevar Danny McDonald Ryan McDonough Markelle Martin Patric Youngman

buffalum.com 11THE WEST TEXAN

By Brittany Castillo ’14 | Photos by Rik Andersen ‘89, ‘15

Canyon Embraces Craft Beer Culture

Remember when Canyon was dry?

Ben Johnson ’12, does, too. He and other locals would make the

20-minute drive out of town to have a beer with friends, but that

all changed in 2014 when the county was able to sell alcoholic beverages.

It was then Johnson knew it was time to introduce a new culture to his hometown.

E S TA B L I S H E D 2 0 1 6

THE WEST TEXAN buffalum.com 13

Porter on Oct. 27, 2016. Having all his loves in one place, Johnson is focused on keeping it special for him and his hometown.

“Beer is my favorite thing in the world—other than my wife and child, and I wanted to bring that culture to where I think they’d like it too,” Johnson said. “We could have opened a carpet company, but you don’t see people get excited about carpets like they do about good food and good beer. I really like to see that excitement in a small town with true personality and spots like this that are unique.”

Soon, Imperial Taproom will host groups like Amarillo’s Pub-Run and continue to participate in local competitions entering their signature dishes. The team will

eventually open a second location unlike the taproom to cater to a different audience, but until then, the business is focused on developing relationships within the community.

“Our focus right now is trying to increase the percentage of locally grown produce year over year because we support the idea of local farmers selling to local restaurants. We want to promote that kind of communal restaurant idea to get everyone involved,” Johnson said. “In the beginning, people asked me, ‘why aren’t you opening this in Amarillo?’ And it’s because I wanted to be the first in Canyon. I was nervous for the risk, but it’s paid off because people are really enjoying it.”

n Sept. 8, 2016, Imperial Taproom opened for business on the Canyon Square. Johnson teamed up with Alex Cunningham and Ethan

Williams to create the town’s first taproom of craft beers. They reached out to local farmers, Texas beer distributors and established a few unwavering rules including 1) Increasing the use of locally produced vegetables and meats, and 2) No beers that can be purchased at a convenience store.

“We work with several distributors in the area, like Ben E. Keith, Favorite Brands and Reed’s. I’m so proud of our tap wall,” Johnson said. “I’m confident in what I know will taste good because I very actively follow almost every brewery that we can buy from. I know of their releases, I read their reviews, and I’m also a member of beer trading communities. It benefits us that I’m a huge beer nerd.”

In 2012, Johnson earned his B.B.A. in general business and entrepreneurship from WTAMU. He gained his first management experience after graduating at Alamo Drafthouse, a cinema serving craft beer and food. He learned to supervise a group of employees while providing exceptional service in the craft beer industry, and a year later, he led the opening team in the Lubbock location. Then, when Canyon became a wet county, it was a natural next step to package his experience and expertise to give Canyon a new kind of restaurant experience.

“I fell in love with brewery culture and craft beer bars in Houston,” Johnson said. “I knew there were similar concepts in Amarillo but nothing like that in Canyon, and I wanted to bring back something I wished was here when I was a college student.”

The Imperial Taproom was modeled after the idea of having something for everyone. With dishes like salmon, steak, chicken and vegetarian, guests can expect to find something they like on a full lunch and

dinner menu rotating seasonally. Weekend brunches are also served with items like benedicts, biscuits and gravy and hash brown casserole. The extensive wine selection includes a list of 75 bottles, local and global, and of course, what

makes this place special, a wall of 23 beers on tap. The wide selection provides a

unique tasting whether you are a regular or a first-time tourist in the area.

“I wanted to also provide a destination for people who come to Palo Duro Canyon and would like to have Texas beer while they’re here,” Johnson said. “We’ve got the best mountain biking in Texas, and research shows that the mountain

biking community is more likely to enjoy craft beer as well.”

The taproom serves as a beer education pub for guests open to

trying new flavors and types of beer. Bitter, smooth, light, dark, hoppy or malty,

the Imperial Taproom caters to beer enthusiasts or novices for a new experience. Though young, the restaurant has made a name for itself as Canyon’s place for fine dining and even won the People’s Choice Award at the Amarillo Wine Down & Dessert War for their 24 Karrot Bar.

Currently, Imperial Taproom employs 35 people, 10 more than projected, and has exceeded monthly sales. Johnson said his growing family is what helped “whip him into shape” for his growing business. He and his wife Kaitlin welcomed their very own

I fell in love with brewery culture and craft beer bars in Houston. I knew there were similar concepts in Amarillo but

nothing like that in Canyon, and I wanted to bring back

something I wished was here when I was a

college student.

CraftBeer.com has named

as the

for the state of Texas. More than 7,000 people

responded to a CraftBeer survey to help choose the best beer bar

in each state. The survey looked at atmosphere, staff, beer selection

and special events. Surveys for the Imperial Taproom revealed that beer lovers enjoy the bar’s beer

pairing dinners, large menu and unique environment.

Buffalo Pride is built on memories, friendships, ethics and values.

It’s the common thread that pulls us together and strengthens

the ties between generations of WT alumni. Help us preserve

the legacy that is as proud as the buffalo and as big as West Texas.

General Membership keeps you connected. Contributing Membership is a great way to give back.

Visit BUFFALUM.COM today“ The next best thing to being a student at WT is becoming involved as an alumnus!”

— J’Lynn Newman Wheeler ’80, alumni association board member,

scholarship donor, mentor, white buffalo society member

THE WEST TEXAN buffalum.com 15

THE WEST TEXAN wtamu.edu 17

t’s been described as convenient, affordable and flexible, but one thing is for sure — online classes and degree programs are changing the face of higher education. Today’s students can “attend”

classes on their own timetable and even earn a degree without ever stepping foot on a college campus. The traditional route of earning a degree through face-to-face classes continues every day on college campuses around the world, but there is no doubt that online education has proven to be a popular choice for today’s college students.

At West Texas A&M University, students are proving they are no exception to that choice, either. Online enrollment for WT’s fall 2016 semester revealed 1,066 degree-seeking undergraduates were enrolled exclusively in distance education courses. That number for graduate students in the same category

totaled 1,769. Numbers for those two groups enrolled in some but not all online classes were 2,153 for undergraduates and 291 for graduate students. Those numbers show increases over fall 2015 totals and reflect the growing popularity of online classes at WT.

Dr. Nick Gerlich, Hickman Professor of Marketing, was the second professor to teach online classes at WT. That was in the fall of 1997, and according to Gerlich, class offerings were few and far between. The concept was so new that Gerlich had to learn HTML to design his first course in MKT6340. Response to those early online classes was strong, and Gerlich said there was a pervasive fear of waking up one day to 3,000 online students and not being able to handle them all.

“I did an early marketing study of our online students to determine what they liked, disliked, etc., as well as basic demographics,” Gerlich said. “We learned

Online M stersBy Rana McDonald

Photos by Rik Andersen

‘89, ‘15

Taylor Sanguinetti ’12, ’15 and Ron Pray ’03, ’06, talk about earning online degrees.

in that study that our biggest and most surprising demographic was single moms in their 30s. They logged in after they tucked their kids into bed. We also found that many students in the dorms took online classes. In fact, most of our online students lived less than 25 miles away.”

Gerlich is teaching his 84th and 85th online courses this spring.

Dr. David Rausch, Teel Bivins Professor of Political Science, began teaching online classes in the spring of 2000.

“When I was asked to teach an online class in American State and Local Government, I was told the class might not attract enough students to make,” Rausch said. “The cap was set at 75, but the online director at the time said I shouldn’t worry because she didn’t think there would be more than

30 students interested. She was very wrong since I actually had to sign a few blue cards to allow students into the closed class.”

Both Gerlich and Rausch agree that many students believe online classes are easier, but they soon learn otherwise.

“I still get a few students who think the online version of the class will be easier than the face-to-face version,” Rausch said. “Usually they determine that their assumption is wrong by the end of the first week.”

Whether they are easier or tougher, WT students are turning to online classes for a variety of reasons, many of which relate to lifestyle and convenience. Ron Pray ’03, ’06, and Taylor Sanguinetti ’12, ’15, share their experience and reasons for choosing online classes in the following Q&A.

I

I’m very analytical and take a research-based approach to my underwriting as the very first step in my process. Now that I am in the mortgage department, it’s important for people to see I have an education, beyond a bachelor’s degree, as they have to be able to trust that their loan officer is helping them in the best financial way possible. It makes my day when people ask me about my graduate degree.

When did you graduate and what degrees did you earn?

I graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in emergency management administration and in 2006 with a Master of Business Administration.

Why did you choose West Texas A&M University?

When I decided to go to WTAMU, I was working full time as a firefighter and was 15 hours away from a degree in production agriculture science at Texas A&M Kingsville. At the time there were only associate degrees in fire science in Texas. When Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service and WTAMU formed the online fire administration degree, which was the first of its kind in Texas, I was on board.

Had you ever been to WTAMU?No, I had never been to WTAMU before and only

knew about the school because Texas A&M Kingsville and WTAMU played each other in football.

Did you ever come to campus while taking classes?

No, I never came to campus and had only emailed or talked to professors on the phone. I met many of the professors a day or two before graduation because I came up early to tour the campus and see the area. I was living in Kingsville during both of my degrees.

Was your online experience a positive one?I had a very positive online experience. I attended

college right out of high school and did poorly in the brick and mortar classes. I found sitting in lectures very

boring, hearing a professor regurgitate the material I had read. It was not for me. The classes were not always at convenient times, parking was difficult, and if you had classes back-to-back it was sometimes hard to get from one side of campus to another or to a lab. So the convenience of the online environment worked for me. I found the work actually much more challenging in the online environment because you must be more engaged, read the material and interact with your classmates and the professor.

Were faculty members available to help whenever needed?

The professors were all very available and as long as you communicated and kept abreast of the material, they worked with you. I actually got to know my professors much better in the online environment, much more so than at a brick and mortar school. I was 12 hours away so Dr. Edwin Maloy and Dr. David Rausch in the E.M.A. program were always there for me and even helped with talking to people on campus to get things taken care of quickly. During my M.B.A., Dr. Neil Terry and Dr. LaVelle Mills were always there for advice and guidance. When I came to graduate for my E.M.A., I met Dr. Terry and figured out the M.B.A. online was a fit for me.

What was the biggest challenge?I had to learn how to write papers in proper format

and do much more research than I ever had done before in the traditional classroom. I had no business finance or accounting background when I started my M.B.A. Many of my emergency management classes were taught by business professors so I had to take an accounting and finance leveling class to catch up. That was the most difficult transition for me. Math is easier for me when I see someone demonstrate it so it was harder for me in the online environment.

Another big challenge for me was working full time and taking three to four college classes. During my E.M.A., my wife and I had a child and I worked full time at the fire station and part time as a sheriff’s deputy. It was a juggling act, and my wife affectionately called the computer my mistress.

When did you graduate and what degrees did you earn?

I graduated with my M.S.F.E. in December of 2015.

Did you earn your undergraduate degree from WT?

Yes—a B.B.A. in 2012.

Was your graduate program totally online or a hybrid?

The degree can be both, but I completed every course 100 percent online.

What made you choose to go with an online program?

I originally started out with the M.B.A. program partially online but after reading the highlights about the M.S.F.E.—the fact that it is tailored more toward a research approach to business that leads students into Ph.D. programs more prepared—caught my eye. I will eventually earn my Ph.D. in either economics or finance. Since the program already had outstanding rankings and one professor told me it is a very difficult program, I liked the challenge and wanted to be a part of WT’s awesome program to help move those rankings. The fact that the degree was offered online was a huge convenience since I worked in Borger at the time. I moved to Fort Worth shortly after beginning the program, and the convenience of taking my studying with me has been a blessing.

Were you working full time while earning your graduate degree?

I was working full time throughout my undergraduate and graduate degrees. When I started the M.S.F.E., I was a commercial lender with Amarillo National Bank, then I moved to Fort Worth to be a senior loan officer. I have recently been promoted to the mortgage loan officer for a credit union.

Was your experience a positive one?Absolutely. I won’t lie—the comprehensive exam at

the very end of the program was tough. But I seriously enjoyed taking the exam for the most part. It helped me realize exactly how much I have learned throughout the program. It isn’t meant to be an easy test, but the fact that I was so well prepared for it, thanks to all of the

professors stressing the importance of the exam, I felt confident that I had done well in my courses after taking the exam. I didn’t have any issues with a professor during the program. In fact, they were more helpful and willing to listen than one may think. The open door policy they all had made studying so much more pleasant than some people make college out to be. If I could go back and do it again, I would, but one student loan is enough for me for the time being.

Were faculty members available when needed?Yes. All of my professors were so kind and quick

to help when needed. Sometimes, we get prideful and don’t want to ask for help or clarification on things. But I think our professors admire that over everything else. Coming to a professor with a problem or concern or a ‘Hey I have no clue what this means’ type of question was never something I feared. Some of my professors, like Dr. De’Armond, have had me for every undergraduate and graduate course they teach. The level of understanding that he had with students was something I don’t think you can find at just any university. We have a great crew at WT.

What was your biggest challenge?It’s hard to say what the biggest ‘challenge’ is in this

degree—the program was designed to be difficult, to be a degree earned by those who truly did push themselves and take graduate school seriously. Being online, it’s a challenge to coordinate schedules between group members to have study sessions or discussions. It can be difficult to get in touch with professors as quickly as we would like to. The comprehensive exam was extremely difficult, and it put my studying to the test, as it is designed. The degree itself was a challenge, for sure. But with the help of amazing professors, those challenges seemed so miniscule. So basically, if I had to pick the biggest challenge of this degree, it was deciding which shoes to wear under my graduation gown…

Did it prepare you well for a career?I feel like I am so much more prepared for a career

in lending now than I was before earning my M.S.F.E. I think differently than my co-workers, which is a huge bonus for my employer. An efficient team is one that has several perspectives/thinking pathways.

buffalum.com 19

I feel like I am so much more prepared for a career in lending now than I was before earning my M.S.F.E. I think differently than my co-workers, which is a huge bonus for my employer. An efficient team is one that has several perspectives/thinking pathways. —Taylor Sanguinetti

I have been a fire chief for more than 11 years, and the degrees from WT opened up many doors. It helped me understand the politics of the job. The programs are well rounded and comprehensive. You practice in the courses many things you will do in real life and that made me a better manager and leader. —Ron Pray

TAYLOR SANGUINETTI

RON PRAY

THE WEST TEXAN buffalum.com 21

L E G A C Y A W A R D S

Keith Null ’08Football

Anthony Armstrong ’05Football

Mike Ohm ’99, ’01Baseball

2 0 1 6 I N D U C T E E S

John and Cora

Teters

Tana Gunter ’79, ’81

The Legacy Award, established in 2008,

recognizes those who have made significant lifetime

contributions to the success and legacy of athletics at

West Texas A&M University. Honorees may include fans, WT staff members, boosters or an organization that has

provided distinguished support. This year’s Legacy

Award recipients are John and Cora Teters and Tana Gunter.

Lori Deshields Davis ’97Basketball

Mike Wartes ’75, ’81Football

Marvin Self ’76Track & Field

THE WEST TEXAN

Did it prepare you well for a career?Completely. I have been a fire chief

for more than 11 years, and the degrees

from WT opened up many doors. It

helped me understand the politics of

the job. The programs are well rounded

and comprehensive. You practice in the

courses many things you will do in real

life and that made me a better manager

and leader. I can talk to finance directors

and city managers in their language

while understanding the concepts and

developing plans and strategies to

improve operations in my department.

I developed an online associate degree

in fire science at Victoria College and

modeled the courses off what worked

and did not work during my years at WT.

I have developed online fire and police

courses because of my experiences in

online programs at WT and being in the

E.M.A. and M.B.A. program.

Did you miss the “college experience” by taking online classes?

I attended college before becoming

a firefighter and found the college

experience fun, but I spent a majority of

my time having more fun than studying.

I was inducted in the political science

honor society online, was named to the

President’s List and Dean’s List multiple

times during my online program. I went

to football games in Kingsville when WT

played TAMUK and was the lone maroon-

wearing Buffalo fan in the sea of blue and

gold. Knowing now what I know, I would

have taken all my classes online from the

beginning if I’d had that option in 1990.

Were you one of the first graduates of this online program? Did you attend commencement?

I was one of the first graduates of

the program. Another firefighter from

Houston Fire Department graduated with

me. We were the first two to graduate,

and we both traveled to WT and walked

the stage for commencement.

A t a signing ceremony March 24 at the Belmont-owned Ocean Way Nashville studios, West Texas A&M University and Belmont University officially entered an

educational affiliation agreement that will allow WT students to participate in and complete courses offered by Belmont’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business.

“The Curb College is a national leader in music business and entertainment industry education, and our location in the heart of Music City gives our college distinct advantages,” said Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher. “Our hope is to share expertise, expand the Curb College’s reach and bring the wealth of knowledge from Music City to WTAMU students seeking opportunities to actively engage in entertainment industry fields.”

WT students will be able to take Curb College classes in music business, audio engineering technology and entertainment industry studies. In addition to assisting with course content development and ongoing program review, Curb College faculty will offer delivery of select courses through both live Internet conferencing and online content platforms. Appropriate seminars and workshops will be recorded live on Belmont’s campus and made available at a later date to WT students and faculty. Belmont will also host a summer program on its campus, allowing WT students to complete up to 18 hours of coursework alongside a Nashville-based industry internship.

“WTAMU’s partnership with Belmont University will provide exceptional opportunities for School of Music students to take classes with expert faculty from Belmont University in the fields of music technology and music business,” Dr. Wade Shaffer, WT provost/vice president for academic affairs, said. “This partnership will strengthen our already thriving music technology program and give our students access to resources and courses not available on the WT campus. Currently, there are 20 students in the WT music technology program, and we expect solid growth in those numbers as this partnership unfolds. We are very excited to work with Belmont University, home to one of the premier music business programs in the country, to provide WT music students with this unique educational opportunity.”

MATCH-UP“Music City”

Front: Dr. Walter V. Wendler and Dr. Bob Fisher. Back: Darrell Bledsoe and Randy Smith

From left to right

wtamu.edu 23THE WEST TEXAN

Nanotechnology

Great and SmallBy Rana McDonald Photos by Rik Andersen ’89, ’15

t’s something that any superhero would gladly add to his arsenal to combat threats of evil, but an innovative new material recently patented by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is making strides of its own as a powerful tool in the fight against the growth of bacteria on land, sea and air. Patent

No. 9,512,324 for Nanostructured Metallic Alloys for Antimicrobial Applications is an antimicrobial material developed by a superhero in her own right, Dr. Emily Hunt, through a Defense Threat Reduction Agency grant from the U. S. Department of Defense.

Hunt, professor and dean of the West Texas A&M University School of Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics, has developed a material that effectively neutralizes a range of harmful microorganisms. The powder—Antimicrobial Nano Alloy (ANA)—is an additive that when mixed with paints, epoxies, coatings and sprays creates a protective material that stops all strains of bacteria—everything from E. coli to Staphylococcus aureus. ANA-laced coatings can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including steel, ceramics, plastics and even sand, and tests show that the patented material kills 99.9 percent of harmful bacteria.

“We’ve found that ANA will resist microbes for as long as the paint stays on the surface to which it is applied,” Hunt said. “We can adjust the amount of the powder based on how fast we want to mitigate the bacteria or how long we want it to last. Usually the paint needs to be replaced before the powder does.”

The possibilities for the powder additive are endless, and the technology is being commercialized by

I

wtamu.edu 25THE WEST TEXAN

These are just a few of the many projects Hunt and her Advanced Nano Solutions team are working on to benefit families and industries around the world. Packets of ANA powder and aerosol cans of clear coating containing the patented powder will be available to consumers in the near future, and the possibilities will be endless. The packets of powder can be added to a can of paint to kill bacteria in homes, daycares, schools, hospitals and more. The clear coating can be sprayed on doorknobs, handles, desks and more for antibacterial properties. Plus, boats and airplanes also can benefit from coatings laced with the ANA additive for increased efficiency.

Hunt, Allen, Kelly and Earl may not be superheroes in the traditional sense, but their work with the patented nanomaterial definitely qualifies them for super-power status in the battle against bacteria.

system coated with the ANA additive. Water at various locations across the country was tested, and results revealed bacteria-free water coming through the filtration system. The impact: cleaner water systems for developing countries means healthier communities.

PIPES —The application of ANA-enhanced coatings to pipes and fittings can reduce corrosion in oil wells and pipeline systems. The coating eliminates microorganisms that cause both corrosion and structural failure. The benefit: decreased maintenance requirements, increased lifespan of expensive equipment and cleaner fuels.

BREAST-MILK FILTRATION —Hunt and her team are working with Third Strand, a local non-profit organization working for nursing babies in need of donated human breast milk. The need for clean donated milk was crucial, and the founder Kyle Joy contacted Hunt in hopes of a solution. The team is working with a wire mesh filter, coated with the ANA additive, and preliminary tests have been successful in removing all bacteria from the milk while retaining all of its nutrients. The impact: clean, healthy milk for babies in need.

DIESEL BALLS —The team is now testing diesel balls to kill the bacteria, known as diesel bugs, found in diesel storage tanks. Team members have coated balls with paint containing the ANA additive and tossed them into the diesel-filled tanks. Tests show that the floating balls are preventing any type of diesel bug development. The benefit: cleaner diesel fuel means less maintenance on fuel injectors for farmers and businesses.

WATER FILTRATION —Members of the team traveled to India last summer to test a water filtration

Advanced Nano Solutions in Dallas. Hunt and her Advanced Nano Solutions team—Benton Allen ‘15, Trent Kelly ‘15, and Paige Earl ‘16—are busy in their Killgore Research Center lab testing and developing a variety of applications for the powder that will benefit everything from healthcare facilities and Department of Defense industries to water systems and marine environments.

As a professor of mechanical engineering, Hunt has always encouraged her students to use engineering to help others, and the ANA additive definitely reflects that philosophy. Hunt’s team of former students is working together on a variety of projects designed to make the world a better place for everyone.

We’ve found that ANA will resist microbes for as long as the paint

stays on the surface to which it is applied. We can adjust the amount of the powder

based on how fast we want to mitigate the bacteria or how long we want it to last. Usually the paint needs to be replaced before the powder does.

Dr. Emily Hunt and her team are conducting some amazing research with ANA in a lab in the Killgore Research Center at WT. Team members, from left to right, include Benton Allen ’15, Paige Earl ’16, Trent Kelly ’15, and Hunt.

27

WEST TEXAS WESTERN STORE

1206 23rd Street, Canyon, Texas

Available Exclusively

WesternHats.com

Licensing Exam Scores in the

By Rana McDonald • Photo by Rik Andersen ‘89, ‘15

Sydney Blasingame will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from West Texas A&M University, but she has one more hurdle after that—

the NCLEX licensing exam. Blasingame, like most nursing graduates, is nervous about the upcoming test but knows she will be more than ready, thanks to the preparation she is receiving at WT.

Her confidence in that preparation is well founded. For the past six years, WT has earned commendation from the Texas Board of Nursing for successful pass rates of its first-time test takers. Since 2011, the University’s pass rate has never fallen below 95 percent, and this year’s pass rate is one of its highest to date at 97.96 percent, well above the national average of 85.6 percent.

WT’s six-year rate (2011-2016) puts the nursing program at No. 2 in the state with an average of 96.71, right behind Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Nursing at 98.54. The University’s six-year average tops such schools as University of Texas Health Sciences Center—Houston, Baylor University, University of Texas at Austin, Texas Women’s University and University of Houston School of Nursing.

The nursing faculty credits the high pass rates to a rigorous testing schedule that prepares nursing students

for the NCLEX exam. Beginning with their junior year, WTAMU nursing students are required to take standardized tests called Hesi exams that encompass the wide variety of content covered throughout each semester. The Hesi exams lead up to an exit exam at the end of the senior year that all nursing students must pass to graduate.

“We start taking Hesi exams in Junior 1 and end with the exit exam,” Blasingame said. “They stress everyone out, but they prepare us really well for the NCLEX. We’ve been told that if you pass the exit, it’s very telling of who passes the NCLEX.”

Dr. Helen Reyes ’93, ’97, head of the Department of Nursing at WT, said it’s the department’s goal to graduate safe, competent nurses, and the timed tests help them do that.

“The NCLEX is a high stakes test, and we do our best to do high stakes

testing in our program,” she said. “We’re really proud of our students and faculty and the success we’ve seen over the past few years.”

The WT Department of Nursing has been educating students to become registered nurses and nurse practitioners since 1974, and today more than 400 nurses in the Texas Panhandle are graduates of the University’s nursing program.

Test Preparation Reflects WTAMU’s Continued Success in NCLEX Rates

Limelight

The NCLEX is a high stakes test, and we do our

best to do high stakes testing in our program,” she said. “We’re really proud of our students and faculty and

the success we’ve seen over the past few years.

EDUCATION ON DEMAND

An Evening withCara BrookinsAuthor of Rise, How a House Built a Family

ACADEMYACADEMYWRITERS’West TexasPresented by the

wtamu.edu/EOD

6–7 p.m. • Book Signing

Featuring Jodi Thomas, Timothy

Lewis, Bethany Claire and more.

7 p.m. • Dinner7:30 p.m. • Keynote

JUNE 5Alumni Banquet Facility

MONDAYMMMOOOONNNDDDAAAYYYAAAAA

Tickets for the event are $35 per person.

To purchase, call 806.651.2037 or visit wtamu.edu/eod

Advance reservations required.

buffalum.com 29THE WEST TEXANTHE WEST TEXAN

Hall of Fame honorsJenny Nolan Bailey ’93, and Randall Carver ’68, joined a prestigious roster of former WT students and faculty when they were inducted into the Branding Iron Theatre Hall of Fame April 22. The honor recognizes former students and faculty who have excelled in entertainment, theatre and theatre education industries. Bailey has worked extensively as an assistant director guiding films such as Steven Spielberg’s War of The Worlds, Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood, Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson’s The Adventures of Tintin, and highly acclaimed television series such as The West Wing, Joan of Arcadia, Saving Grace, Men of a Certain Age, and Michael Patrick King’s hit CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls.

Carver is an accomplished film and television actor with a career spanning more than six decades. His film credits include Midnight Cowboy, Time to Run, Man on the Moon and There Will Be Blood. Carver starred as John Burns in the Emmy award-winning show Taxi and series including Six O’Clock Follies and Norman Lear’s iconic Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. His guest star appearances include Malcolm in the Middle, Norm, Murder, She Wrote, The Love Boat, Emergency, The Rookies, The Six Million Dollar Man, The Waltons, Room 222, Mod Squad, Alias Smith and Jones, Here’s Lucy, Casual and television movies including Once an Eagle and Detour to Terror, where he got to play his first bad guy role starring opposite O.J. Simpson.

Dr. Flavius Killebrew ’71, ’72, was given the title of President Emeritus by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents during its regular meeting Feb. 9 in College Station. He became the 10th president of Texas A&M University—Corpus Christi in 2005 and retired in December 2016.

Alan Hunnicutt ’80, retired in December after a 37-year career of teaching, coaching and administrative work in the Texas Panhandle. He spent the last 15 years as the assistant athletic director for the Amarillo Independent School District. While at WT, he played wide receiver for the Buffs under Coach Bill Yung.

Barry Evans ’84, is the 2016 recipient of the 2016 Cotton Achievement Award presented in January at the Cotton Grower magazine’s annual luncheon in Dallas. He is the 47th recipient. Evans not only farms, but is very involved with various agricultural organizations. He is currently secretary/treasurer of the National Cotton Council and has served as Texas state chairman of the American Cotton Producers, president of the Cotton Foundation and a member of the Cotton Board. He currently sits on the Plains Cotton Improvement Program committee and active with the Texas Alliance for Water Conservation and the Swisher Country Farm Bureau.

Patrick Carlile ’89, is a new regional account executive with GoVision. He will serve as the regional account executive for Arkansas, Kansas and parts of Texas and the northwest region. He has more than 18 years in sales, negotiations and brand building.

Laura Street ’89, has been named to the board of directors of the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation.

class notesWHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM

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Britt Smith ’96, ’98, recently joined Perfect Game Baseball after 17 years with the Howard College baseball team. He is a full-time regional director to cover a territory that includes Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas. The position is a perfect fit for the former Buff baseball player and Howard College baseball coach. His duties will include customer relations, scouting, tournaments and regional showcases to promote baseball from the youth ranks to the college level.

Christopher Buckley ’03, practically had a front row seat for the presidential inauguration in January as a member of the U.S. Army herald trumpets. After earning his bachelor’s degree at WT and a master’s from the University of North Texas, Buckley auditioned and earned a spot in the United States Army Band. He has now played at two presidential inaugurations.

Vince Hernandez ’03, has been named the new long-term interim executive director of the Guyon Saunders Resource Center in Amarillo. He brings years of experience to the position, previously serving as the executive director of the Amarillo Red Cross, Texas Panhandle chapter and regional chief executive officer of the American Red Cross in Oklahoma City.

Gregory R. Mouser ’05, is the new athletic director for the Prairiland Independent School District. He joined PISD after serving as assistant varsity football coach with the Argyle Independent School District.

Leah Zeigler ’07, is the new superintendent for the Kress Independent School District. She started her new duties Jan. 1, but has been with the district since 1990. She has served as principal and teacher and will continue as district technology coordinator, a role she’s held for the past 22 years.

Jeffrey Byrd ’09, is the new superintendent for the Vernon Independent School District. He joins VISD after four years as superintendent with the Claude Independent School District.

Cherylin Atcitty ’12, environmental manager for Taos Pueblo, has been appointed to serve as a member of the Northern New Mexico Citizen’s Advisory Board. She was nominated by Taos Pueblo Gov. Benito Sandoval.

Gregg Salmi ’13, has been named the new fire chief of Carrollton Fire Rescue (CFR) and will take over his new duties in April. He has been with CFR since 1986 and moves into the new position after 10 years as the assistant chief. He was selected for the position from a field of more than 50 candidates from across the country.

Reba Underwood ’13, is the new agriculture extension agent for Presidio County. She will help with local 4H programs as well helping with all aspects of the agriculture industry in the region.

Kirsten Adams ’14, joined Presbyterian Medical Services—Socorro (N.M.) Community Health Center as a certified nurse practitioner. She previously worked with an outpatient clinic in Raton. She is a member of the New Mexico Nurse Practitioners Association and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Antjuan “Clutch” Ball ’15, who competed in the 2015 Slam Dunk competition as a WT Buff, has joined the ranks of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters. He is one of six new players who joined the team for its 2017 World Tour.

Brandon Cave ’16, is the new AgriLife extension service agriculture and natural resources agent position in Kent County. He began his new duties in Jan. 2.

Sergio Mendez ’16, is the new agriculture and natural resources agent for Parmer County. The Friona native started his new duties on Feb. 24.

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in memoriam Myrna Raffkind ’88, ’95, died Jan. 31 in Amarillo. She was 77. The longtime community human rights advocate taught psychology and sociology at WT from 1985-1998. She was named an instructor emerita in 2009. Raffkind was active in numerous charitable causes and earned many accolades including the 2010 Amarillo Globe-News Woman of the Year, Amarillo Women’s Network Lifetime Achievement Award, National Association of Social Workers’ Public Citizen of the Year and the Dr. R.W. Jones Freedom Fund Achievement Award.

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