Building Future Leaders!

WT Research Published in Southwestern Entomologist

Research conducted at West Texas A&M University by alumnus Zack Saavedra, M.S., and Dr. W. David Sissom, emeritus professor of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences, has been published in the journal Southwestern Entomologist.

The paper, "Arachnids of the Yoakum Dunes Wildlife Management Area," documents one of the first comprehensive surveys of arachnid diversity at the Yoakum Dunes Wildlife Management Area in the Texas Panhandle. Over three years of field sampling, the researchers identified 28 families, 66 genera and 101 species of arachnids, with every species representing a new record for Cochran County. The study also documented 50 new species records for the Southern High Plains and three spider species recorded in Texas for the first time.

The project, conducted through WT's Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences, contributes valuable baseline data for future conservation and biodiversity research while highlighting the University's continued impact on ecological research in the Texas Panhandle. The publication also acknowledges support from WT's Graduate School, Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences, and student volunteers who assisted with fieldwork and specimen processing.

WT Hosts TCFA Feedyard Camp for Future Industry Leaders

WT recently welcomed students from across the region for the 2026 Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA) Junior Fed Beef Career and Leadership Program, commonly known as Feedyard Camp, providing high school juniors and seniors with an immersive look at careers in the beef industry.

Designed for students interested in pursuing careers in agriculture, the four-day camp introduced participants to every stage of the fed beef industry through classroom instruction, industry networking and hands-on learning experiences. Campers explored topics including cattle marketing, nutrition and health, waste management, media relations and animal cloning while touring a commercial feedyard and packing plant.

Students also gained practical experience with carcass ultra sounding and learned about the day-to-day management of modern feedyard operations from industry professionals and WT faculty.

Hosted on the WT campus, the program reflects the University's continued partnership with the Texas Cattle Feeders Association and its commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders in the beef industry through experiential learning and strong industry connections. Upon completing the program, students also have the opportunity to participate in a job-shadow experience at a local feedyard, further connecting classroom learning with real-world careers.

Thirty-One WT Students Accepted to Veterinary Schools

West Texas A&M is celebrating another outstanding year of success as 31 students have been accepted into veterinary schools across the United States and abroad for the upcoming year.

The future veterinarians earned acceptance to some of the nation's most competitive programs, reflecting the dedication of the students and the strength of WT's pre-veterinary program.

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Brooke Forsee

Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Caoimhe Benn-Rothstein
Melina Lopez Quinones
Christy Burton
Jordyn Matus
Hana Craycraft
Reagan McDaniel
Anisha Ganguly
Jennifer Ramirez
Gabrielle Ysasaga

Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine

Kylee Brown
Marquel Moser
Emily Garner
Adrianne Nichols
Sarah Gordzelik
Madison Osborn
Jordan Hisel
Madeleine Pemberton
Niquole Knapp
Isabel Pena
Carolina Martinez
Audrey Rangel
Megan Miles
Katelyn Robinett
Clayton Stevenson

Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Benjamin DeSalvo

Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Colby Prince

Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine

Brianna Furman

Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Summer McArthur

Royal Veterinary College, University of London

Lindsay Jenks

University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

Emma McNabb

Congratulations to all 31 future veterinarians on this remarkable achievement. Their success continues WT's tradition of preparing highly qualified students for careers in veterinary medicine, animal health and agricultural sciences.

#ICYMI