Dear Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni, and Supporters:

Since commencement ceremonies on December 11, 2021, the campus has lacked the normal activity and the usual high energy that abounds. As all rested, I hope each of us took an opportunity to reflect on 2021 and arrive with refreshed energy as we enter the spring semester of 2022!

Even with return to full occupancy in classrooms, some class sizes have had to be increased and/or additional sections have been added. Accommodation of students who wished to be enrolled, while still managing numbers for effective experiential learning, is a good place to be and a great indication for a positive Spring semester and beyond!

Today is the first day of classes! The vitality that returns to campus while all catch up with old friends and make new ones is fun to experience. We greet a number of new freshman and transfer students today, along with several new faculty members. Let’s make them all feel welcomed to our very special place in the Panhandle.

The elephant in the room, Coronavirus, remains. While our plan is to proceed with business as usual, extra efforts to remain healthy are essential. Several variants of COVID and the flu will also return to campus. Please take advantage of the hand sanitizers available across campus, maintain wise distancing, and feel free to use a mask. While we make every effort to keep our campus safe, remember to practice safety in off-campus environments as well. WTAMU will continue to monitor case prevalence and provide testing and vaccinations. Communication will occur through the University website and through other means.

Please refer to: https://www.wtamu.edu/about/information/covid-19/index.html

As we anticipate this semester, I’m reminded of a quote I recently came across by Alan Cohen:

“Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin.

Beginning makes the conditions perfect.”

I agree and am very much looking forward to another great year in the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences! As always, don’t hesitate to stop by my office, give me a call, or send me an email should I be able to help or support you.

Kevin R. Pond

Professor & Dean

Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences

West Texas A&M University

806-790-3284