April 26, 2021
COVID-19 UPDATE
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.
Commencement Countdown!
Society of Physics goes stargazing!
Lookout Point Picnic Site in the Caprock Canyon, Quitaque
Dr. David Craig, Associate Professor of Physics,
Dr. Keshav Shrestha, Associate Professor of Physics, 
Cody Dye, SR. Physics, former Society of Physics president,
Duncan Miertschin, JR. Physics, Current Society of Physics president,
Coleman Phillips, SOPH. Physics, Current Society of Physics Vice president, 
Thinh (John) Nguyen, SR. Biochemistry Current Society of Physics treasurer
Meagan Ferguson, B.S. Biology, B.S. Biochemistry '20
Shania Ledesma, Social Work Alumna
also in attendance, Dr. Strestha's wife & Coleman Philip's family! Way to go!!
Outstanding Student Workers Honored
29 students recently were recognized as outstanding employees during Student Employment Week, last week. The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences had several students from across campus be recognized as such.
Agricultural Sciences: Rowdy Henson, SR. Agriculture, Zach McDonough, SR. Animal Science, Koy Shields, SOPH, Agribusiness, Travis Tilton, Animal Science graduate student and Ramey Walther, SR. Agricultural Media Communication.
Athletics Department: Paige Wills, JR. Agriculture Education.
College Assistance Migrant Program: Aurora Garcia Comer, JR. Biology.
Office of the President: Sadie Bow, SR. Agricultural Media and Communication.
Office of Student Engagement and Leadership: Hannah Scarborough, JR. Agricultural Media and Communication.
Registrar’s Office: Brittany Livesay, SR. Animal Science. 
Student Government Association: Payton Williams, SR. Animal Science.
Congratulations to all our outstanding student -workers!
The student employment fair will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 28 around the Buffalo Fountain on the Charles K. and Barbara Kerr Vaughn Pedestrian Mall.
Collegiate Farm Bureau travels to
Young Farmer and Rancher Conference
On April 9th-11th, Dr. Nate Wolf, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Education and Leadership took the newly founded (1/5/2021) Collegiate Farm Bureau Club to Round Rock, TX to attend the Young Farmer and Rancher Conference. Thirteen students were in attendance. The conference covered agricultural advocacy, legislative priority issues and engagement with elected official, along with a presentation from Chet Garner, “The Daytripper.” Conference ended with a keynote address from Matt Rush about “Planting the Seeds of Greatness.” WTAMU had the largest student participation out of any other colleges and universities in the state. Go Buffs!
Earth Day Event for Regional Schools
The Environmental Science Society and the American Chemical Society lead several activities on April 21 to help third- and fourth-grade students from Thomas R. Helton Elementary School in Wheeler and Wildorado Elementary School to learn more about the importance of protecting the environment.
“We all live on Planet Earth, and we all need to do our best to keep it in the best shape possible. That starts with education. That’s the first step in making progress,” said Damaris Washington, ESS vice president and JR Geology. Thank you to these two student organizations for putting on this educational experience, well done!
Spring Horse Judging Contest
"The purpose of this trip and competition was primarily to serve for training and preparing the team members for the Fall 2021 competitions. With the student’s performance, they should have confidence that if they continue to learn and work, they have the potential for an exceptional run of successful fall competitions. The students are so impressive with their ongoing ability to prepare during these challenging times, and represent WT so well. They continue to make WT proud!" Said Dr. John Pipkin, Equine Program Director and Regents Professor of Animal Science.
How do you handle stress?
Faculty in the Department of Agricultural Sciences
tell us how they handle their stress!
“I talk to Dr. Landry Lockett! He is the best stress reliever on campus! I also schedule breaks and force myself to step away from tasks. Go for a walk, talk with family or friends, and breathe!”
 ~ Dr. Brock Blaser, Assistant Department Head and Associate Professor of Plant Science

“I pray. I walk our dog that digs holes in our yard.
I stop to enjoy a conversation with someone.”
~ Dr. Bridget Guerrero, Associate professor of Agricultural Business and Economics

"Golfing!"
~ Dr. Lance Kieth, Department Head and Professor of Agricultural Education

“When I feel stressed, my tactics include increasing exercise, and reading motivational and inspirational books.”
~ Dr. John Pipkin, Equine Program Director and Regents Professor of Animal Science

“The lake is my happy place!”
~ Dr. John Richeson, Associate Professor of Animal Science
 
“I deal with stress by training in the martial arts, specifically karate.”
~Dr. Marty Rhoades, Associate Professor of Environmental Science
 
“I used to be a chronic worrier when I was young, but learned from the book “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living” that when you’re faced with a stressful situation, ask yourself, “Is there anything I can do about it?” If the answer is yes (e.g. study for a test or write a term paper), get on it as soon as you possibly can, stay with it until it is done, and it takes a lot of that burden off of you. If the answer is no, put it out of your mind. Most of the worst things we think might happen never come to pass.”
 ~ Dr. Tim Steffens, Associate Professor of Rangeland Resource Management
“Dreams come in a size too big so
that we may grow into them.”
~ Josie Bisset