Opportunistic October ... Don't miss out | |
Dean's Welcome
Welcome to the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences newsletter! We are excited to share many of the great things happening in the college.
As with any organization or business, higher education has many metrics by which success is measured. For obvious reasons, student headcount is important to the university and to our college. The 12th class day is the census date that marks the official student headcount of the university and is used for official reporting purposes. Our 12th class day was on September 10th. On this important day, we learned that the university’s student headcount had increased by 202 students as compared to last year’s Fall census count. During this same time, the TBRCOESS census count increased by 103 students. In round figures, this means that our college’s growth contributed to half of the university’s growth!
Of course, success is not limited to only what we can count. As you will see when you scroll through this newsletter, the breadth of engagement and the depth of quality displayed by our students and faculty is quite remarkable.
| | U.S. News: WT One of Best Regional Universities in the West | | |
“We appreciate the consistent recognition WT receives from U.S. News & World Report and other external entities,” said Dr. Neil Terry, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “The rankings affirm the faculty and staff commitment to academic rigor in an environment that supports student success inside and outside of the classroom.”
WT’s online bachelor’s programs for veterans rose significantly, to No. 19 from No. 31. The WT program is the No. 1 such program among Texas schools.
Several undergraduate and graduate programs also rank highly in state and nationwide in the new standings, with graduate programs that included criminal justice, public administration, and education receiving high ranks.
TBRCOESS is proud to support our community learners through on-line and classroom-based programs.
| | Educator's Excellence Initiative (EEI)
is E x p a n d i n g | | |
WT just announced it is expanding the Region 16 EEI half-off tuition program to include Regions 17, 18 and 1A, 2A schools across the state.
The buffalo herd is moving south for the winter and creating an opportunity for teachers, administrators, librarians, nurses, counselors and paraprofessionals in school systems across Texas to continue their educational goals. Tens of thousands of eligible, full-time educators in the state will have the opportunity to further their education by providing a 50-percent tuition and mandatory fee reduction to qualified employees.
TBRCOESS is excited to play a large part in defining and shaping educational excellence across the entire state. Leading and serving professionals who are impacting our communities for generations to come.
For more details on the EXPANDED EEI program, click here.
Read the WT story here
Read President Wendler's blog perspective here
| | WT Fall 2025 Enrollment up 2.2% | | |
Contributing to WT’s enrollment growth displayed in the graph above, TBRCOESS is now the 2nd largest college group at WT. Our college programs saw the greatest year-over-year increase growing more than 6 percent over 2024. Of the students benefitting from the EEI waiver this fall, 82 percent have majors within the Department of Education, which overall grew more than 7.5 percent. Moreover, the Political Science and Criminal Justice programs grew more than 13 percent during this same time.
“We are delighted to be a major contributor this year’s enrollment growth,” said Dr. Gary Bigham, dean of the Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences. “We have made great strides in our programs, and we are pleased that these efforts are paying off, not only for WT but also for the region as a whole."
| | Ben Carson to Deliver Inaugural Hill Institute Lecture | |
Inaugural Hill Institute Board Member Ben Carson will give the inaugural lecture.
Conservative author, medical doctor and former Cabinet secretary Ben Carson will give the inaugural lecture for The Hill Institute at West Texas A&M University.
Dr. Carson will speak and take questions at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 27 in the First United Bank Center on WT’s Canyon campus.
Tickets are $5 and available at wtamu.edu/HillLecture . Guests will receive a complimentary copy of Carson’s most recent book, “The Perilous Fight: Overcoming Our Culture’s War on the American Family,” co-written with wife Candy Carson.
To read more details and purchase tickets, click here
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Currently, four TBRCOESS professors have been appointed to positions under the aegis of the Hill Institute:
| | Charles Butt Foundation Story Begins | | |
The first cohort of WTAMU Education students celebrated their Charles Butt $8000 annual scholarship awards and began their journey at the Fall Gathering event.
The event connects students with supportive Program Leads, and the resources to support their learning goals.
Congratulations to the following scholars (Left to right):
- Garren Bustamante- Amarillo, Texas
- Victoria Rinker- Perryton, Texas
- Judith Sanchez Solano- Amarillo, Texas
- Esmeralda Osornio- Perryton, Texas
- Allison Seymour- Amarillo, Texas
- Miranda Ballard- Panhandle, Texas
- Kayla Metzger- Estancia, New Mexico
- Lily Wambold- Canyon, Texas
- Kinsley Owen- Canyon, Texas
- Diego Tino- Hereford, Texas
Read more about the Charles F. Butt Scholars here
Read more about the Charles F. Butt Foundation here
| | WT's West is Best Bubble Blast Fest | | | Drs. Gregory, Pinkham, Hubbard, and Bang enjoyed bubble blasting the students at the West is Best Fest student back-to-school event. Ferris-wheel, air-slide, fair food with activities, DJs and dancing created a fest of fun. And don't forget the bubbles. Welcome back, Buffs!
Thank you, faculty, for connecting with students.
Read more about the West is Best Fest here.
| | 2025 Family Weekend Welcome | | |
Family Weekend was packed with fun and included a TBRCOESS "Pun Wheel of Fortune." Woodn't you like to win a wooden buffalo? Along with popcorn and cookies, the family party came to Old Main. Students brought their families to show their Buff pride and were joined by faculty connecting and giving everyone tours of the building and offices.
The family of education major, Brenda Flanagan was selected as the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences' special family of the event. Recognizing the impact and support families provide students is worth celebrating.
Big shout out to all the faculty who supported the event. Drs. Denton, Farmer, Johnson, Pinkham, Bang, Alamdari, Kunz, and others who connected with students and families. You make a difference.
| | WT's 2025 Alumni will be honored for Distinguished Service and Leadership | | |
Homecoming's Phoenix event will honor Kody Carson, Sonja Clark, and Judge Elisha Demerson.
Judge Demerson has served on the board of directors of many nonprofits and city committees, and currently serves as vice-chair of the St. Anthony’s Legacy and Redevelopment Corp. He served as senior pastor of Emmanuel Temple Church for almost 30 years.
Demerson served as a “dynamic public servant with high marks for honesty, integrity, commitment and stewardship,” wrote Claudia Stuart, a WT professor emeritus of sociology and criminal justice and 2021 Distinguished Alumna.
“Education from WTAMU catapulted him to these new heights of aspirations and achievements, and he would be the first to acknowledge the tools from WT enabled him to excel beyond his wildest imagination,”
Honoring the service and leadership of all three Alumni Buffs.
Read complete article on 2025 Distinguished Honorees here
| | Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Distinguished Lecture | | |
BSW is hosting two extraordinary October events in celebration of their 50th Anniversary.
An evening Social Hour October 16, 2025, 5:30pm-7:30pm, and a Distinguished Lecture Series October 17, 2025, 8:00am-12:00pm; 1:00pm-4:00pm. Both events held in the Amarillo Harrington Academic Hall.
Honored to host distinguished speakers Bolutife Dosumu, LCSW-S and Angie Lutts, LCSW-S. Both highly experienced licensed clinical social work professionals.
Celebrating 50 years of preparing ethical Social Work Leaders!
See full information flyer below, with an opportunity link for the first 40 registrations FREE - courtesy of Panhandle Behavioral Health Alliance (PBHA).
| | An Evening with Margaret Renkl | | |
The Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences is proud to present:
An Evening with Margaret Renkl
Thursday, October 23, 2025.
7:00 pm in Legacy Hall; JBK Student Center.
Renkl, an award-winning author and NY Times opinion writer, will discuss seasons of life, and she will inspire you to see the beauty in the world around you. Due to gracious donor sponsorship from Dr. Stanley Shaeffer, The Piehl Family, and Lanna & Bob Hatton, the event is free and open to the public, students and staff. Click the link below to find out more information and free registration.
Read more about the evening here and register your free attendance
| | 13th Annual Helen Piehl Distinguished Lecture Features Math Intervention | | |
The WTAMU Center for Learning Disabilities invites you to our 13th Annual Helen Piehl Distinguished Lecture featuring Dr. Sarah Powell.
This lecture will take place on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 8:30 am to 12 pm in the JBK.
Dr. Powell is a Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Texas at Austin and holds the Audrey Rogers Myers Centennial Professorship in Education. Her lecture is titled Five Essentials for Math Intervention. We feel she will bring great insights to her lecture and share her knowledge on this growing topic.
Students are welcomed to attend free of charge in-person or online.
Free lecture registration here
Visit Center for Learning Disabilities here
| | Welcoming Our Own @ Canyon ISD Day | | |
WT rolled out the maroon carpet for its own Canyon ISD High School students. The event was an excellent opportunity to showcase the high-quality, affordable education our local students can receive right here at WT.
TBRCOESS inspired the young students to invest their education in people. Be our future teachers, counselors, principals, governors, social workers, psychologists, judges and sociologists. Support a strong, educated community and make a difference here. We want you here. WT is home.
| | Strong Partnership with Amarillo College | | |
Allan Baltazar and Heidi Brooks did a fantastic job of connecting with Amarillo College students and answering questions about their future TBRCOESS programs.
Education advisors and Social Work faculty braved the West Texas wind to serve our future students.
| | Graduate School Program Fair Inspires Students | | |
The recent Graduate and Professional Schools Fair was an excellent opportunity for WT undergraduate students to see the learning and earning potential in continuing their education by earning a graduate or doctoral degree.
The master's degree program faculty were on hand to answer questions about their various programs and inspired students to see the increase in job potential and earnings you would enjoy with a master's degree.
The benefits of continuing to learn!
| | Faculty and Student Research | | Dr. Brigette Whaley's research on cellphones in the classroom continues to gain state and national attention | | |
Dr. Whaley's year-long study of a rural Texas high school found that teachers overwhelmingly supported a phone-free classroom policy, reporting fewer distractions, stronger student focus, and a more equitable learning environment. While initial concerns about parent communication and workload were common, they quickly diminished as routines were established, and teachers consistently said the benefits far outweighed the drawbacks. The study shows that when supported with consistent enforcement, visible administrative backing, and clear communication, thoughtfully implemented phone-free policies can transform classrooms in ways that promote equity and engagement.
Dr. Whaley continues to share her research finding across the U.S.
-
FOXNews13 Seattle (Photo Snapshot)
- NPR
- Interview with a Consultant with Columbia Public Schools in Columbia, Missouri
Thank you, Dr. Whaley, for your research that is positively impacting hundreds of thousands of students and communities in Texas and across the country.
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McNair Scholar Riven Robinson successfully presented research project
Congratulations Psychology student, Riven Robinson, for successfully presenting her McNair Scholars research project, "I Want to Be Like Them": How Attractiveness Can Influence Self-Diagnosis Through Social Media."
Congratulations, Riven!
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McNair Scholar Logan Canada successfully presented research project
A round of applause to Logan Canada for successfully presenting his McNair Scholars Project, "The Limits of Accountability: Null Effects in Hiring Bias Involving Gay Applicants."
Congratulations, Logan!
| | | Opportunity for CLD Traylor Research Grant | | |
Don’t miss this opportunity to advance research and make a meaningful impact.
Apply for the Traylor Research Grant no later than October 15.
The Richard and Mary West Traylor Grant in Learning Disabilities, in collaboration with the WTAMU Center for Learning Disabilities, supports service and scholarly activities for students with learning disabilities.
• Open to WTAMU undergraduate & graduate students and faculty from all disciplines
• Grant awards range from $250 to $5,000
• Applications accepted for research in learning disabilities and learning differences
For questions, contact Stephanie Hart at the WT Center for Learning Disabilities.
Apply here
| | Happy October Faculty & Staff Birthdays | | TBRCOESS Welcomes New Faculty | |
Welcome Allison Kleman, M.Ed.
Clinical Instructor of Education
Teacher Residency Site Coordinator
Allison Kleman received a B.S. in Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M University and an M.Ed. in Educational Administration from Lamar University. Before coming to higher education, Mrs. Kleman spent over a decade in K–12 schools as a high school mathematics teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal. She also served as a director at West Texas A&M University, where she helped develop the University’s dual credit program and played a key role in strengthening partnerships with regional high schools.
"What I have loved most throughout my 14 years in education is experiencing the full spectrum of public education—from PK through higher ed. Each stage has deepened my appreciation for the work educators do to support students and families, and I am grateful to continue that journey at WT!"
Allison Kleman's bio here
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Welcome Dr. Jacob M. Namias
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Dr. Jacob Namias earned his B.A. degree in Psychology in 2020, followed by his MA and PhD in Psychology in 2022 and 2025, respectively, all from The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Dr. Namias teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in the psychology program, with an emphasis on cognitive psychology. His course offerings include Experimental Psychology, Psychology of Learning, and Advanced Statistics.
Welcome Dr. Namias.
Dr. Namias complete bio here
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Welcome Dr. Brandon Selby
Assistant Professor of Counseling
Dr. Brandon L. Selby received a B.A. in Psychology from Western Colorado University in 2013, an M.A. in Counseling Clinical Mental Health from Adams State University in 2019, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of New Orleans in 2025.
He is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Texas and Louisiana.
Welcome Dr. Selby.
Dr. Selby's complete bio here
| | Dr. Kunz Authored new book published by Kendall-Hunt Publishers | | |
Dr. Jenifer Kunz authored a new book published in August by Kendall-Hunt Publishers.
Title: Layers of Identity: Race. Ethnicity, and Minority Experiences in Social Stratification.
The following TBRCOESS faculty contributed to the book:
Congratulations, Dr. Kunz, and Faculty.
Information on the book here
| | | Public Policy Scholars Program Recipient Shares Experience was transformative | | |
Alison Sweeney was one of two 2024.2025 selected recipients of the TAMUS Public Policy Scholars Program. Alison shared some insightful experiences about her internship.
"During my time as a Public Policy Scholar through the Texas A&M University System, I had the opportunity to live and work in Washington, D.C., where I interned in the office of Congressman Keith Self (TX-03). The experience was both rewarding and challenging, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the legislative process and the responsibilities of public service.
One of the most rewarding aspects was being directly involved in the daily operations of a congressional office. I gained hands-on experience in constituent services, policy research, and legislative correspondence. Engaging with constituents, listening to their concerns, and helping connect them with resources was especially meaningful because it reminded me of the real people behind the policies debated in Congress. I also enjoyed attending briefings and committee hearings, where I could see firsthand how national issues are discussed and shaped at the federal level.
Of course, there were challenges as well. The pace of Capitol Hill is fast, and priorities can shift at a moment’s notice. Learning to adapt quickly, manage competing tasks, and stay focused in a high-pressure environment pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it also sharpened my professional skills. Another challenge was learning the nuance of balancing political priorities with constituent needs, a reminder that policymaking is never simple.
Some things surprised me, too. I did not expect how collaborative the work would be across congressional offices, interns, and staff. Even in a competitive environment, there is a strong sense of shared purpose and dedication to serving the public. I also didn’t anticipate how much I would grow personally from the experience and become more confident in my ability to contribute to policy discussions and envision my future career in law and public service.
Overall, the PPSP program was transformative. It provided a pathway not only to gain professional experience but also to build lifelong connections with peers across the Texas A&M University System who share an equal passion for public service. I encourage future students to take advantage of this incredible opportunity. "
Once again, thank you so much for the support!" Alison Sweeney
The Public Policy Scholars program continues as 2025.2026 students Kaizer Mahaffee and Sergio Gonzales received invitations for the TAMUS Public Policy Scholars Program for Fall 2025.
| | WT Graduates Admitted to Law Schools | | |
Statistics from 2023.2024 show (15) WT graduates were accepted into the following Law School Programs:
- Baylor University School of Law
- Mississippi College School of Law
- Oklahoma City University School of Law
- St Thomas University College of Law
- St. Mary's (TX) School of Law
- Syracuse University College of Law
- Texas Tech University School of Law
- U of Louisville Brandeis School of Law
- Univ. Arkansas Little Rock School of Law
- University of California, Berkeley Law School
- University of Nebraska College of Law
- University of Richmond School of Law
- University of Texas School of Law
- University of Toledo College of Law
- Washburn University School of Law (KS)
So proud of our WT Buff graduates. We are confident you will find great success in the educational challenges and legal profession ahead.
Go Brave Buffs!
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Graduate Student Serving on Texas Psychological Association Student Senate
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Graduate Student Allan Baltazar had an opportunity to connect with the Texas Psychological Association (TPA) Student Government Senate and received an invitation to serve as the Psychology Graduate Student Consultant for their Student Engagement Committee for this academic year!
TPA focuses on advocacy for psychologists in academia and in the field and connection between psychology students across Texas.
Congratulations, Mr. Baltazar.
| | Arden Road Elementary School Newsletter recognizes Teacher in Residency Soleil Guckian | | |
"She is the Resident Student in the TLC classroom this year...I’m sure you’ve all heard her contagious laughter! I’m not sure I’ve ever seen Solei without a smile!! She is the very definition of a Marigold- consistently looking for and finding the good in every single situation! Solei sat in on her first ARD meetings earlier this week and made the mom cry with how positively she spoke about her child! She takes on every challenge with a smile and a optimistic attitude.
Solei, we can’t wait to keep watching how much you grow as an educator
this year! You’re already shaping little lives and we are so blessed to have
you at Arden!"
Learning and making an impact. Way to go, Ms. Guckian.
| | Supportive Student Organizations | | Pre-Law Student Association | | |
The Pre-Law Student Association is designed to establish community among WT students with a shared interest in legal studies. It supports students’ legal and political education, offers law school admissions resources and LSAT tips, and assists with networking, job placement, and other career preparation.
Contact the faculty advisor Dr. Justin Moeller for more information.
Read more about Pre-Law Student Association
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The Texas Association of Future Teachers (TAFE) is a student organization in the Department of Education.
They held their first meeting of the fall and over 50 future teachers from all majors attended.
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Faculty Academic Advisor Dr. Amy Carlson and organization president Clara Bender provided informative leadership and program.
More pizza and fun were ordered and got the new academic year off to a "TAFE-Errific" start.
Elected officers included:
- Vice President: Summer Meller
- Secretary/Treasurer: Ava Haddock
Contact Dr. Carlson for more information on TAFE
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Oct. 8: FACULTY & STAFF; TBRCOESS Faculty & Staff Annual Meeting with President Wendler
2:00pm-3:00pm Legacy Hall. Snacks available.
Oct. 16-17: BSW 50th Anniversary Distinguished Lecture
Oct. 16 - Social Hour: 5:30pm - 7:30pm; Harrington Academic Hall
October 17 - Lectures: 9:00am - 12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:00pm in the JBK
Oct. 23: EVERYONE: An Evening with Margaret Renkl
7:00pm - Legacy Hall - Click here for more information and free registration
Oct. 27: EVERYONE: Dr. Ben Carson, Hill Institute Lecture
7:00pm - Legacy Hall - Click here for more information and tickets
Oct. 28: FACULTY/STAFF: Employee Health & Wellness Fair
Lunch time - Legacy Hall
Oct. 30: FACULTY & STUDENTS; CLD 13th Annual Helen Piehl Distinguished Lecture. In-person and webinar with special speaker Dr. Sarah Powell. Click here for details and free registration
Oct. 31: FACULTY & STUDENTS: Last Day to Drop or Withdraw w/ X
Nov. 11: EVERYONE; WT & Canyon Veterans Day Celebration:
11:00am @ WT's Veterans Memorial
Nov. 27-28: WT Closed - Thanksgiving Holiday
Dec. 3: ALL; WT Festival of Lights
6:00pm-8:00pm @ Vaughn Pedestrian Mall
Dec. 3: FACULTY & STUDENTS; Last Class Day
Dec. 4: FACULTY/STAFF: University Holiday Lunch
Noon - Legacy Hall
Dec. 5: FACULTY & STUDENTS; Deadline for Grad Degree Candidates to Submit Final Copy of Thesis to Dean
Dec. 13: ALL; TBRCOESS Graduation Ceremony, 10:00 am
Dec. 15: FACULTY; Grades Due 9:00am
Dec. 15: FACULTY & STUDENTS: Jan Intersession begins
Dec. 24-Jan. 1: ALL; WT Closed for the Holidays
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