Each year faculty members are recognized in the six academic colleges for their impact on WT students and stakeholders through excellence in instructional responsibilities, intellectual contributions, professional service, and the advancement of graduate programs.

Congratulations to our outstanding faculty! View the university recipient list here.

Intellectual Contributions Excellence Award

Distinguished Graduate Faculty Award

Dr. John Richeson, Associate Professor of Animal Science and

Graduate Program Coordinator for the Department of Agricultural Sciences

Instructional Responsibilities Excellence Award

Dr. Carolyn Bouma, Associate Professor of Biology

Professional Service Excellence Award

Dr. Christopher Baird, Associate Professor of Physics

Plug Piehl’s ties with the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences run deep. A graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Industrial Education, she is a member of the WT Agriculture Development Association, a chapter of the WT Alumni Association, while also sitting on the College advisory board. 

“I am humbled and honored to be named the recipient of the Plug Piehl Professorship in Agriculture." Dr. Mallory Vestal said. "Not only am I grateful to the Piehl family, but also to my mentors who have poured into me over the years. My success reflects the individuals who encouraged, supported, guided, corrected, and pushed me. It is my pleasure and privilege to honor the women who made this professorship possible.”

Many thanks to Plug Piehl for this professorship. Congratulations to Dr. Mallory Vestal for receiving this honor.

Dr. Lawrence, Caviness Davis Distinguished Chair in Meat Science and Director of the WTAMU Beef Carcass Research Center, was awarded the 2022 American Meat Science Association (AMSA) Extension and Industry Service Award! The award was established in 1965 to recognize outstanding achievements in meat science extension and service to the industry. Congratulations, Dr. Lawrence!

Lady Buffs named 2022

NCAA Division II Outdoor Champions!

The Lady Buffs are once again national champions as they took hold of the 2022 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championship title in late May. Alana Wilson, SR. Biology, was part of making that happen on the 4X100-meter relay with her teammates, adding eight points to the Buff's overall score. Congratulations on the championship, Buffs!  

Buffs place second

at NCAA Outdoor Champions

The Buffs took a second-place finish at the 2022 NCAA Division II Men's Outdoor Track & Field Championships in late May. Benjamin Azamati, SR. Animal Science, and Desmond Aryee, JR. Animal Science, were part of that victory with the 4X100-meter team winning and setting a new school record of 39.27 seconds!

Well done, Buffs! 

WT AG Alumna Lauren Gaston

Named WT Employee of Year

Lauren Gaston, B.S. Animal Science '18, won a cash prize, parking for a year, and more during WT’s All-Staff Service Awards. 

"WT has been a home to me for many years, first as a student and now into my professional career," Gaston said. "It is a privilege to work with so many wonderful people; they make WT a truly special place. I’m extremely honored and humbled by this award and grateful to be a WT Buff."

Congratulations, Lauren! Enjoy the designated parking!

“Science is magic that works.” 

~ Kurt Vonnegut