For the most up to date information from West Texas A&M University and the Texas A&M University System about COVID-19, visit the University's COVID-19 Information Page.
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Last Friday, it was officially announced that President Wendler made the difficult decision to cancel face-to-face WTAMU Commencement Ceremonies scheduled on December 12, 2020. You may read the press release here. We are all disappointed to hear this news, but are also appreciative of the commitment to protect your health as well as that of your family, friends, and the community.
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Before you depart campus, we would like to invite you to an optional opportunity to take a photo with Dean Pond and your diploma cover to commemorate your degree completion. Participating is optional; wearing regalia is optional. No guests, please.
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Dr. Benjamin Newcomer joins the VERO program from Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine. During his time there, he was pursuing a PhD in bovine infectious disease and seeking specialized training in herd health, internal medicine, and toxicology. Prior to that, he received his DVM degree from University of Florida. Immediately following, he practiced dairy production medicine at a large dairy in central California for several years. While working, Dr. Newcomer also served with Christian Veterinary Mission in the Central African Republic, assisting pastoralists and small farmers with their cattle.
“I was motivated to pursue the position at WT and VERO because of the emphasis on practical education and the focus on livestock production management and rural practice. The Texas panhandle has the fastest growing dairy industry in the country and there are increasing opportunities, not only for dairy veterinarians but for those with interests in Ag Business, Ag Engineering, Ag Communications, and other fields. I am excited to help prepare both undergraduate and graduate students for those opportunities within the Panhandle, both on dairies and other livestock enterprises. While the main appointment of my position will be in teaching, I am also excited to be involved in collaborative ongoing research efforts. My past research efforts have focused on bovine infectious disease, but I am also interested in addressing practical issues in general dairy production and management as well as public health and food safety.”
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How has COVID-19 Impacted your Research?
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Dr. Bridget Gurrero, Associate Professor of Agricultural Business
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In terms of research dissemination, many professional meetings were cancelled this past summer. A few meetings were virtual, which is the best alternative, but still not as impactful as being in-person. I want to stress that progress is still being made on research despite the obstacles. In some ways, the increased virtual communication has helped projects move faster. Meetings that would normally happen in-person are now happening by Zoom. However, we are spending hours on zoom daily, which can hinder individual progress. If email was difficult to keep up with before, it is even harder now with much more email traffic pertaining to COVID. Overall, the biggest obstacle is TIME. We are stretched in terms of what we can do for our undergraduate students in-class, how we can mentor our graduate student effectively, how we continue to collaborate with other researchers, how we can disseminate results from research, and how we can continue to seek funding for new projects.
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Keep up with Current Internships
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Danielle Williams, SO Agricultural Media & Communication, is currently completing her internship through the Office of the President at WTAMU.
What you do day-to-day in your internship? On a day-to-day basis I write letter and speeches on behalf of Dr. Wendler. I am also in-charge of highlighting regional students and community members, while working on that I also help organize the school databases.
How your internship will prepare you post-graduation?
This internship will help me post-graduation by gaining real-world skills such as professional communication, a strong work ethic and independently maintaining large projects.
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WTAMU Hosts Intercollegiate Meat Judging Workout Before International Contest
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The 2020 American Meat Science Association Intercollegiate Meat Judging International/ High Plains contest was conducted at Caviness Beef Packers for the first time in history on November 1st. West Texas A&M University hosted the official practice workout on the Friday and Saturday leading up to the competition. Over 75 students from Clarendon College, Fort Scott Community College, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, South Dakota State University, Kansas State University and Oklahoma State University all traveled to practice at West Texas A&M University prior to the contest.
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American Chemical Society
Earns Commendable Designation
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The WTAMU American Chemical Society Chapter (ACS) was awarded the Commendable ACS Student Chapter Award. The Society Committee on Education (SOCED) selects ACS Student Chapters to receive special recognition on the basis of their programs and activities, as described in their chapter reports. Awards are classified as outstanding, commendable, and honorable mention. Chapters that do not qualify for these awards receive a certificate of achievement for meritorious service.
For the 2019-2020 academic year, SOCED awarded 72 chapters Outstanding, 99 chapters Commendable, and 120 chapters Honorable Mention. In addition, 22 student chapters are also receiving a Green Chemistry award for successfully completed green chemistry activities throughout the year. The award-winning student chapters are listed here.
Dr. Nick Flynn, Professor of Biochemistry, is a member of the American Chemical Society, and the advisor for the WT chapter. Erica Barrera, JR. Biochemistry, President, Juniki Langle, SR. Biochemistry & Biology, Vice President, Billy Lee, SR. Biochemistry & Biology, Treasurer, Jyntre Millsap, SR. Biology, Secretary, and Paola Flores, SR. Biochemistry, Freshman Liaison.
Congratulations for all your hard work and the well-deserved award!
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"I am thankful for new days because each new day is an opportunity to better yourself, positively impact your peers, and make a difference in your world." -Eric Koennecke SR. Ag Education
"I am thankful for this very crazy and unpredictable year because it has allowed me to be even more thankful for the people and things that I can always count on!" - McKinzie Crain SR. Agribusiness
"I am thankful for my friends and teammates!" - Leslie Lopez SO. Biology
"I am thankful for my family and friends that love and support me!" -Abbi Boggs FR. Animal Science
"I am thankful for my family, they help me become a better person and I wouldn't be where I am today without them. - Paola Flores SR. Biochemistry
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No Classes 11/25
The University will be closed (noon) 11/25 - 11/27
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“Happiness is getting the donut with the smallest hole."
~Unknown
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Follow us for more regular updates on the Paul Engler College of Agriculture & Natural Sciences!
Go Buffs!
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Copyright © *2019 *Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, All rights reserved.
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