Ending the Academic Year Celebrating Success! | |
Dean's Message:
As we reach mid‑August, the 2025‑2026 academic year draws to a close, and we look ahead to 2026‑2027. This issue offers a concise wrap‑up of late spring and summer activity in a year marked by vibrant scholarship, thriving student organizations, and summer engagement that reflects the energy of the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences. The length of this newsletter mirrors the reality that summer here is anything but quiet—there’s much to celebrate and finalize.
Thank you to faculty, staff, and students for your dedication and resilience throughout the entire academic year. Let’s finish the summer strong, celebrate our collective achievements, and step into the new academic year with renewed energy, enthusiasm and optimism!
Dr. Gary Bigham
Regents Professor and Dean
| Special congratulations to each of our 529 SU25, FA25, & SP26 graduates. | |
We are proud of every graduate from our college. It is encouraging to watch students develop their knowledge, their passion, and their commitment to community as they move into their professional careers. Congratulations.
| | Congratulations to May 2026 Graduates | |
Recognizing Embedded
Associate's Degree Awards
| | |
The end of 2026 Spring semester recognized (38) TBRCOESS bachelor's degree students completed the requirements for the conferral of an embedded Associate Degree. The designation has been added to their official transcript.
Congratulations to the students on their first higher-education academic milestone achievement towards attaining a bachelor's degree.
| |
2026 Spring President and
Dean's List Recipients
| | Congratulations to all TBRCOESS students earning top GPAs on the President's List and the (185) students on the Dean's List for May 2026. | | |
Ariella Aguirre, Sociology
Hayden Alston, Education
Izaih Alvarado, General Studies.Edu
Everett Anderson, Political Science Hannah Ashrafi, Psychology
Alexi Atchison, Education
Leidi Avalos, Education
Krista Azua, Social Sciences
Iris Baldwin, Criminal Justice
Matthew Barnes, Emergency Mgt
Abbey Bauserman, Psychology Gracelyn Bayless, Social Work
Braislyn Bertrand, Applied A&S Ariel Bishop, Applied A&S
Jordan Blue, General Studies.Edu Kambri Braley, Education
Chasity Brower, Education
Ki'sha Brown, Psychology
Chasity Carey, Pre-Social Work
Nora Ceniceros, Criminal Justice
Jacklyn Chacon, Education
Laney Charles, Criminal Justice
Sarai Chavez, Education
Kelvin Childs, Emergency Mgt Admin Maranda Cordero, Criminal Justice Valeria Corralez, Education
Alma Covarrubias, General Studies.Edu Lesley Cox, Criminal Justice
D'Laney Cruz, Psychology
Daniel Davila, Criminal Justice
Austyn Davis, Psychology
Erin Davis, General Studies.Edu
Libbie DeLaPena, Social Work
Racquel Delgado, Social Sciences
Jarett Determan, Emergency Mgt Admin Kim Dial Nunez, Criminal Justice
Casey Dressler, Criminal Justice
Aaron Dunnam, Education
Stetson Durling, Criminal Justice
Alma Duron, Criminal Justice
Marie Eddins, Sociology
Alexia Eilenstine, Education
Hanin Eisawi, General Studies.Edu Misael Enamorado, Emergency Mgt
Cindy Enriquez, Education
Samantha Escalante, Education
Selena Escobar, Social Work
Amily Farmer, Psychology
Annika Flores, Psychology
Shantell Ford, Education
Ava Foust, Education
Isaac Gallardo, Psychology
Clarissa Gamboa, General Studies.Edu Landri Garcia, General Studies.Edu Ysabella Garza, Education
Sicily Giovannini, Education
Grace Gore, Education
Gianna Grasso, Psychology
Natalia Gutierrez-Cruz, Social Work Sharon Hammons, Applied A&S
Laura Hernandez, General Studies.Edu Madison Holt, Psychology
Rani House, Psychology
James Howard, Emergency Mgt Admin Annelise Hutchens, Education Katherine Irwin, Psychology
Steven Jamison, Emergency Mgt Admin
Olivia Jimenez, Political Science
Jordan Johnson, Education
Joseph Johnson, Social Work
Kate Johnson, Pre-Social Work
Kaylie Kashuba, Education
Justin Kirsch, Emergency Mgt Admin Kattie Knoll, General Studies.Edu
Hart Krause, Criminal Justice
Jessica Landeros, General Studies.Edu Chrystian Larson, Psychology
Chiara Ledesma, General Studies.Edu Tia Lee, Psychology
Maddie Leochner, Criminal Justice Lauren Lichtie, Education
Rainee Lopez, Education
William Luther, General Studies.Edu Daisy Marquez, Psychology
Merissa Marquez, Pre-Social Work Chloe Martin, General Studies.Edu Awbrei Martinez, Psychology
Estella Martinez, Education
Rebecca Mashburn, Education
Kalib Maszka, Criminal Justice
Zoey McBroom, Education
Jacqualyn McCallister, Education Preston McRae, Psychology
| | |
Grace Means, Education
Brittany Medina, Education
Victoria Medina, Social Work
Chloe Mendoza, Psychology
Kayla Metzger, Education
Amanda Miller, Education
Daniel Montano, Emergency Mgt Admin Hope Moore, Psychology
Christian Morris, Social Sciences
Alyssa Mosley, Education
Arianna Mosqueda, Education
Shona Mount, General Studies.Edu Mckenzie Musick, Pre-Social Work Emma Myer, Education
Espoir Namatiti, Criminal Justice
Monica Navarro, General Studies.Edu Kylee Novak, Education
Savannah Olivarez, Political Science Danesy Ortiz, Psychology
Sydney Ortiz, Education
Shawna Owen, Criminal Justice
Sofia Pantoja Rodriguez, Education Javen Patrick, General Studies.Edu Joshua Pena, Psychology
Kylee Perez, Education
Teresa Perez, Emergency Mgt Admin Christasia Phiouphanh, Criminal Justice Landon Poole, Emergency Mgt Admin Landrey Posey, Psychology
Pierce Powers, Education
Trinity Puryear, Education
Mary Rainwater, Education
Arelee Ramirez, Criminal Justice
Faith Ramonez, General Studies.Edu Sabrina Rangel-Perez, Social Work Jaelyn Reynolds, Education
Victoria Rinker, Education
Kendrick Rivers, Criminal Justice Anastasia Robinson, Psychology
Stacy Robison, Applied A&S
Aaralyn Rodriguez, Education
Daniela Rubio, Criminal Justice Kennedie Rushing, Education
Jenna Saied, Education
Amber Sain, Psychology
Samarrae Salazar, Education
Norma Salomon, Education
Amanda Sanchez, General Studies.Edu Lizbeth Sanchez, Criminal Justice
Tessa Sanders, Pre-Social Work
Lydia Sargent, General Studies.Edu Emmi Schmitt, Education
Maya Sena, Education
Bryson Session, General Studies.Edu Nicholas Shaffer, Political Science
Ava Sharp, Criminal Justice
Mykaela Sharp, Education
Jacquelyn Smith, Criminal Justice
Joe Smith, Applied A&S
Makenlie Smith, Education
Isabella Soto, Psychology
Augustine Sowa, Criminal Justice
Kaitlyn Speck, Education
Ruth Stotts, Social Work
Carlee Suarez, Applied A&S
Camille Thomas, Education
Ashley Tijerina, Education
Abigail Tolliver, Education
Estefania Torres, General Studies.Edu Elyzabeth Treadway, Psychology
Nola Trolinder, Education
Berdena Troyer, Education
Shawna Trujillo, Education
Isabella Van Stavern, Education
Gracie Van Winkle, Criminal Justice
Kalli Varner, Psychology
Reagan Vybiral, Psychology
Hayden Waddell, Education
Sara Wall, Criminal Justice
Jaylen Warren, General Studies.Edu Carlee Wartes, Emergency Mgt Admin Aleyah Weatherton, Social Work
Tylee Whipple, Psychology
Brandy Williams, Education
Noah Wolff, Criminal Justice
Lily Woodruff, Criminal Justice
Ross Yarbrough, Criminal Justice
Aidan Young, Psychology
Emery Young, Applied A&S
Rebecca Young, Psychology
Faith Zimmer, Education
Shadin Zuber, Social Work
| | Congratulations Master's in Science in Social Work (MSSW) Program on Receiving Reaffirmation of Full Eight-year Accreditation | | |
The MSSW Program received official notification from CSWE on the reaffirmation for the full eight-year accreditation cycle. The Social Work Program accrediting body listed no stipulations or program reports needed for followup.
| |
Congratulations to Dr. Bartlett and the entire Social Work team. This continued accreditation reaffirms the excellent quality of advanced Social Work education being taught at WT.
Thank you so much for your hard work to make this happen. Congratulations!
| |
A "Wee Bit of Fun" While Learning with
Study Abroad in Ireland
| | |
Perspectives in Counseling & Education, Dublin, Ireland Study Abroad Trip led by Dr. Leigh Green & Dr. Beth Garcia was a "wee bit of fun" combined with a large amount of learning.
The following students had an incredible educational experience in Dublin, Ireland in June, 2026 with the Studying Abroad:
Aaralyn Rodriguez; BS.Education-EC-6 Student; from Cottonwood Shores
Kenna Klameth; BS.Education-EC-6 Student; from Lubbock
Samuel "Zack" Campbell; MA. Counseling; from Coahoma
Justin B Walsh; MA. Counseling; from Follett
Hadassah Corey; MA. Counseling; from Valrico, FL
Mariana Soto; BA. Social Work; from Boise City, OK
Tiffani Borcherding, MA. Counseling, graduated May 2026 from Austin
Kristin Anderson; M.Ed. School Counseling.LPC; from Amarillo
Kourtney Allen; M.Ed. School Counseling; from Gruver
Laura Sanders; M.Ed. School Counseling.LPC; from Houston
Kimberly McGrath; M.Ed. School Counseling.LPC; from Cedar Park
Clara Bender; M.Ed. Leadership; from Midland
To support their travel expenses, the Study Abroad program awarded financial grants to all eligible students. This opportunity offered students an extraordinary personal experience that will stay with them for a lifetime, as well as an invaluable educational opportunity to enhance their future professional careers. Brilliant.
| |
Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
Hosted Summer Advisory Board Meeting
| | |
The Education Department's EPP Advisory Board is comprised of faculty, staff, community members, supporters, and school administrators, who give their time, knowledge and experience to support the teaching program at WT.
This year's June meeting included:
- An overview of EPP activities, initiatives, and accomplishments from the past year
- Updates from the EPP Office, feedback from students, and input from school district partners
- Information regarding new and upcoming Texas Education Agency (TEA) policies, regulations, and accountability measures
- Opportunities for advisory members and faculty to provide feedback and recommendations for continuous program improvement
- Discussion of current challenges and opportunities in educator preparation, including HB-2 efforts to address the ongoing teacher shortage
- Faculty and EPP partners engaged in meaningful dialogue and collaboration with the commitment to preparing highly effective educators
Thank you to the board members who participated. Partnership and engagement are vital to the continued success of our educator preparation programs.
| | Remembering and Honoring Donor and Supporter John Mozola, 1948 - 2026 | | |
Our sincere condolences to the family of donor and supporter Mr. John Mozola.
Mr. Mozola supported students and faculty in the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences. Mr. Mozola and family established several Education Scholarships for students and faculty supportive funds. Our sincere appreciation and sympathies.
| | |
The Liz and John Mozola Faculty Excellence Award supports faculty development education, like Drs. Denham and Hart. The faculty were awarded Liz and John Mozola Faculty Excellence Grants for 2025.2026.
The award recognizes faculty members
whose teaching excellence and sincere commitment make a profound impact on the
preparation of our undergraduate aspiring educators.
| We are grateful to recognize the Mozola family giving legacy that will continue to support education students and excellent teaching development opportunities into the future. | |
Remembering and Honoring a WT Alumni
DPS Trooper Sergio Romero
| | |
We were saddened to hear of the loss of WT May 2021 graduate Sergio Romero of the Criminal Justice program. Officer Romero was a DPS Trooper working from Childress who died in the line of duty.
Dr. Bang was fortunate to have Sergio in several on-campus courses and served as his academic advisor. On attending Romero's Celebration of Life Service, he shared, "The Texas Department of Public Safety and Sergio's family did an outstanding job honoring him."
Trooper Romero served his community in many ways including as a volunteer firefighter. Our sympathies to Sergio's family, friends, colleagues, and his community who will miss him deeply.
Click here to read the WT Half-Staff Flag Notice
| | Summer 2026 Ed.D. Immersion Experience | | |
Celebrating another informative 2026 Ed.D. Immersion Experience with an amazing group of doctoral learners. This is a favorite annual event for the doctoral students.
“The doctoral immersion experience provides an opportunity for our Ed.D. candidates to align their research and coursework with the real‑world demands of executive leadership,” said Dr. Gary Bigham, dean of the Dean Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences.
| | |
Guest speakers included:
Dr. Justin Richardson, educator, author, & speaker with Waymaker Leadership Development
Dr. Mustafa Toprak, WTAMU Associate Professor of Educational Leadership (9/1/2026)
Ms. Kelby Dodson, The OccuNet Company, Director of People Operations
Dr. Eddie Henderson, WTAMU EC-12 Ed.D. Program Director
Mr. & Mrs. Dyke and Terry B. Rogers, beloved businessman & educator; and foundational supporters of WTAMU & the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences
Professional Discussion Panelists included:
Dr. Gary Bigham, WTAMU Dean
Dr. Gilbert Trevino, Superintendent, Floydada Collegiate ISD
Dr. Tanya Monroe, Interim Superintendent Groom ISD
Mr. Troy Seagler, Associate Executive Director, Region 16 ESC
Ms. Jennifer Wilkerson, Amarillo ISD Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
Mr. Jud Hicks, Past President of Frank Phillips College
Dr. Neil Terry, WTAMU Provost and Executive Vice President
Ms. Denese Skinner, Amarillo College - Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
Dr. Angela Spaulding, WTAMU Vice President for Research and Compliance, Dean of the Graduate School
Dr. Todd Rasberry, WTAMU Vice President for Philanthropy and External Relations
Our appreciation to everyone who made this an educational highlight.
| | Summer Region 16's Curriculum Conference Brings Innovative Learning To Area Educators | | |
In July, the Department of Education was excited to host Region 16's Curriculum Connections Conference at WT. The event hosted hundreds of area educators with the encouragement to "Make a Connection."
The event was specifically designed to move educators beyond siloed learning, breaking down walls between subjects to show how different fields can team up to ignite student success and commitment to excellence.
| | |
Educators, including WT's Dr. Denham, were able to access numerous educational breakout sessions and speakers.
The photo shows Dr. Denham with author Dave Gutierrez who wrote, "Patriots from the Barrio." The true story of Company E 141st Infantry: the only all Mexican American Army unit in WWII.
It was a fun, motivational, and educational experience for everyone in attendance.
Thank you, Region 16.
| | | Summer Fun @ New Student Orientation (NSO) | | BIG Terry B. Rogers College welcome to all our new FA26 Buffs. We are thrilled you chose WT! A great place to learn and grow and experience life on the road to an amazing professional career of service and leadership. | | |
BIG "Thank You" to all the faculty & staff who helped with NSO events this summer; the ARMR Committee for ideas, organizing the agenda, and swag; the NSO breakfast faculty and staff who showed up to welcome students and help them feel connected; and the faculty/staff who completed advising registration appointments by finding appropriate classes and getting student's schedules set.
The excellent teamwork resulted in a warm and professional experience for new incoming students.
Thank you, and welcome all new students.
|
Don't miss the first new student BIG event of the year
Join us for lunch and connect with other new students and faculty from your program's department during the Buff Branding Lunch with Your College event.
"You Fit Perfectly With Us" Buff Branding Lunch with Your College
Friday, August 21, 2026; 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Old Main Foyer and 2nd floor hallway.
| | |
Fair food, student orgs., games, puzzles and prizes mean lots of fun for everyone.
Looking forward to seeing you there.
| | SP26 Sociology of Religion Visit | | Advising Graduate Assistants Move into Public School Internships | | |
TBRCOESS proudly congratulates graduate students Monica Olivo-Hernandez and Anthony Sarmiento (photo) on securing school psychology internship placements within Texas public school districts. These internships mark an important milestone as they complete the final stages of their graduate education and work toward licensure as school psychologists in Texas.
Throughout their time at WTAMU, Monica and Anthony have demonstrated exceptional professionalism, responsibility, and dedication to both their academic studies and service to the university community. In addition to successfully completing the rigorous requirements of the School Psychology graduate program, both students have served as Graduate Assistants in WTAMU Advising Services, where they have played an instrumental role in supporting student success.
As Graduate Assistants, Olivo-Hernandez and Sarmiento have been essential members of the Advising Services team, assisting students as they navigated important academic transitions and helping them connect with the resources needed to thrive. Their commitment, reliability, and positive attitudes have made a lasting impact on students, faculty, and staff alike.
| | |
The internships will provide both students with supervised professional experiences in Texas public schools, allowing them to further develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become licensed school psychologists. Upon completion of their internships and graduate degree requirements, they will be prepared to serve children, families, and schools by promoting students' academic, social, emotional, and behavioral success.
| Also completing successful graduate level School Psychology comprehensive exams and heading into internships are: | | Our congratulations and best wishes to all the graduate students who successfully completed oral comprehensive exams and are moving forward into internship experiences in School Psychology. You got this, Buffs. | | Appointment of New Assistant Dean | | |
Dean Bigham announced the appointment of Dr. Kristy Bartlett to the position of Assistant Dean. "As a recent graduate of our Ed.D. program, whose academic and professional background spans across both the social sciences (emphasis in social work) and education, she brings a uniquely integrated perspective to this role," shared Dr. Bigham. "This balanced footprint makes Dr. Bartlett well-suited to understand the distinct cultures, student needs, and professional environments that characterize our various academic programs college-wide."
Dr. Bartlett will assist the college leadership team with broader organizational responsibilities in areas such as curriculum, assessment, and strategic planning, as well as focus on organized, college-wide recruitment activities and retention events.
Welcome Dr. Bartlett to the Administrative College Team.
| |
Welcome Dr. Penny Pollart
This summer, the Department of Education welcomed new faculty/staff member Dr. Penny Pollart.
Dr. Pollart received her Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in English Language Arts as well as her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and Master of Education in Administration from West Texas A&M University. She received her Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas Tech University.
Dr. Pollart teaches undergraduate social studies courses and serves as the Buff Start Coordinator and Testing Coordinator. She is the advisor for Students Assisting in Good Endeavors (S.A.G.E.) a faith-based community service organization at WT established in 2000.
Welcome Dr. Pollart, and thank you for jumping right in and helping with NSOs this summer.
| | Congratulations 2026 All-Staff Awards | |
WT Faculty and Students 2025.2026
Research Funding Concludes
| | |
WT gave a record $221,000 in internal research grants to undergraduates, graduate students and faculty in the 2025-2026 academic year.
The following TBRCOESS faculty and students were able to use funding to support a diverse range of research.
Dr. Alicia Macchione, assistant professor of psychology: “Breaking the Scale: Investigating Weight-Based Discrimination in Employment Practices”
Dr. Brandon Selby, assistant professor of counseling: “WTAMU Initiative to Validate Counseling Program Outcomes Through NCE Performance”
The following graduate student received internal funding:
Olha Humeniuk, psychology, Amarillo: “Breaking Barriers” (Graduated May 2026)
The following undergraduate student received internal research funding:
Riven Robinson, a senior psychology major from Levelland: “How rejection and resource amount influence selfishness” (Graduated May 2026)
Click here to read the WTAMU news story with the complete list of grant recipients.
| |
Dr. and Mrs. Rausch Present Research
at Chicago Conference
| | |
Dr. Dave Rausch, Bivins Professor of Political Science, and Mary Scanlon Rausch, Resources and Metadata Management Librarian in the Cornette Library, presented "The Political Context of the 2025 Parental Rights Amendment in Texas" at the State Politics and Policy Conference 2026, held in Chicago.
Click here to view the paper on the APSA website.
| | Drs. Barbosa and Whaley Present and Recruit at TALAS Conference | |
WTX North TALAS; From Compliance to Connection
Drs. Ray Barbosa and Brigette Whaley were invited to speak at the Texas Assocation of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS) conference in June.
| | |
Attending TALAS in Austin also provided a great opportunity to recruit students and answer questions about the programs WT offers.
Photo of Dr. Whaley, Dr. Celina Estrada Thomas, Executive Director of TALAS, and Dr. Barbosa.
| |
Summer Trainings at WT
Dr. Ray Barbosa had the privilege of partnering with Region 16 Education Service Center to facilitate T-TESS and Appraiser Certification Training for educators and aspiring school leaders. T-TESS/AEL training with Region 16's Carlton McMillen (Learning Leaders).
"It was an excellent opportunity to collaborate with dedicated professionals committed to improving instructional leadership and teacher development across the region. West Texas A&M University is proud to continue building strong partnerships that support educational excellence throughout the Texas Panhandle." says Dr. Barbosa, Director of Graduate Education Programs in Educational Leadership and Curriculum & Instruction.
| |
Dr. Lovell, MPA Director,
Article Award and Book Publication
| |
Best Article Award from Journal of Public Nonprofit Affairs (JPNA)
Congratulations to Dr. Lovell on his award for Best Article for a co-authored article: "Cash rules everything around me: The expansion of NCAA name, image, and likeness policy among the states." It was selected by the editors of Journal of Public and Nonprofit Affairs for the 2023 Best Article award.
The award announcement was made at the 2026 Midwest Public Affairs Conference in Chicago on June 11, 2026.
| |
Dr. Lovell's Opinion Piece Published in The Hill
Opinion article by Dr. Lovell, MPA Director, was published in the June 14, 2026 issue of The Hill. The article titled: The Protect College Sports Act doesn't include student voices. It should.
The Hill is a popular digital and print publication that is widely read by lawmakers, government officials, lobbyists, and political observers, reaching millions of monthly online visitors.
Click here to read Dr. Lovell's interesting article.
| | Dr. Campbell's Beautiful Photo Cover | | Summer Brought a Dramatic New Look to TBRCOESS Old Main 4th Floor Hub | | |
The first phase of the 4th floor hallway update brought a dramatic new look. The fresh paint and updated framing have given the corridor a professional, polished, and welcoming look and feel.
Using the popular Old Main entrance foyer as the inspiration, the entire 4th floor hallway now reflects the college's high standards while feeling warm and professional for students, visitors, and colleagues.
| | |
The fresh look provides the opportunity to grow the digital signage and centrally manage the displays and use of communication tools with a modern and professional aesthetic.
Watch for more updates to come as the 4th floor's central college hub for main campus' Education and Social Sciences offices continue to inspire pride, and support for faculty and students.
| | Center for Learning Disabilities (CLD) Distinguished Lecture Coming Soon | |
Fourteenth Annual Helen Piehl Distinguished Lecture
Features speaker Roxana Stanley, Bilingual Education Diagnostician
Friday, October 9, 2026;
Click here for more information
| | Happy Birthday to All Our Summer B'days | | |
Happy June Birthday
Alyssa Jenkins
Brandon Bang
Terry B. Rogers
Ashley Pinkham
Judy Williams
Dyke Rogers
Happy July Birthday
Sang Hwang
Crystal Hughes
Happy August Birthday
Lydia Miller
Darrell Lovell
Ruth DeAnda
Gary Bigham
Allison Kleman
| | | Look to the New Academic Year Ahead | |
Have a story you want to share, suggest a story you are interested in reading, or want to be removed from this newsletter distribution list, Email COESSSOCIALMEDIA@WTAMU.EDU
or click the unsubscribe link below.
| | |
2501 4th Avenue, Old Main 410, Canyon, TX 79016
(806) 651-2600
| | | | |
