Experience and Learn

West Texas A&M Herdsmen Welcomes New Members

The WTAMU Herdsmen have been an integral part of the University since it's start in 1922 when the first buffalo, Charlie, was brought to Canyon from the famous buffalo herd at Goodnight Ranch.

Over 100 years later, the Herdsmen team is not only a widely recognized symbol of WTAMU, but an example of the importance of traditions at WTAMU.

Recently, the West Texas A&M Herdsmen have welcomed five new members to their team, making the Herdsmen now consisting of 12 students.

Jacque Ghormley

Hometown: Rockwall, TX

Major and Classification:

I am a junior animal science major.

Favorite thing about WT AG: I love the family atmosphere in the Ag Department. Everyone always has a smile on their face and is always willing to help in any way they can.

Favorite AG class so far and why? ANSC 2371: A&P Farm Animals with Dr. Posey. While the class is content heavy, Dr. Posey makes learning fun and I really enjoyed it.

Fun fact about yourself? I love Dr. Pepper. You'll rarely find me without one.

Cayden Hodnett

Hometown: Lubbock, TX

Major and Classification: I am an agricultural education freshman.

Favorite thing about WT AG: My favorite thing about WT AG is the opportunities it presents and the people who dedicate themselves to this community.

Why did you join the Herdsman? I joined the Herdsman because of what they represent and the leadership opportunities that come with. I also enjoy getting to talk to new people and working with large animals.

Fun fact about yourself? A fun fact about me is I enjoy golfing even though I am terrible at it.

Jenna Arens

Hometown: Shawano, WI

Major and Classification:

I am a freshman studying equine industry and business.

Are you involved in any campus clubs? I compete on the WT Equestrian Team, I’m an Instructor for Twisted 2-Step, Block and Bridle and I serve on Fall Gather Committee.

Favorite thing about WT Ag: My favorite thing about WT Ag is the passion. Everyone involved in WT Ag wants to be here, wants to serve others, and wants to be better all the time. The love for agriculture that WT has is inspiring, and I hope to be a part of it and lead others to it.

Favorite thing to do in Canyon? I love to look at the stars at night! I come from a cloudy environment, so I love the big open skies here.

Calvin Autrey

Hometown: Willard, NM

Major and Classification: I am a freshmen agricultural business and economics major.

Are you involved in any clubs? I am a member of Alpha Gamma Rho.

Favorite Ag class so far and why? My favorite Ag class so far would have to be the AGRI 2300: Agricultural Leadership class because it allowed me to meet new friends and gave me the tools to succeed as my college career progresses.

Fun fact about yourself? I am a 6th generation rancher.

Claudia Tepper

Hometown: Wolfforth, TX

Major and Classification: I am a freshman studying agricultural education.

Favorite Ag class so far and why?: My favorite Ag class so far has to be ANSC 1319: Principals of Animal Science. It was very hands on, providing me with opportunities I never had growing up! This class was challenging yet rewarding, engaging and enjoyable.

Are you involved in any clubs/orgs?: I am in the Agribusiness club, Collegiate Farm Bureau, Collegiate FFA, I am also the reporter for the Block and Bridle club, the Fundraising and Public Relations officer for Fall Gather Event Planning and the Social Media Manager for Twisted-Two-Step.

Students Visited State Park on Wildlife Biology Trip

Professor of Biology, Dr. Ray Matlack, led a five-day trip with students in his BIOL 3092: Communications for Wildlife Biologists class over spring break.

During this trip, the group camped at the Davis Mountains State Park. Students chose between sleeping in tents or under the stars, as it was the first time some students have camped.

On this trip the group swam at San Solomon Springs which is part of the Balmorhea State Park, located near in Toyahvale, TX, on the foothills of the Davis Mountains.

Students also saw endangered fish and filmed wildlife while visiting both state parks.

WTAMU Student Named Finalist

Francisco Ortega, a senior animal science major, has been named as a finalist for the position of Region IV Graduate Vice President on the 2025-2026 Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) National Student Officer team.

MANRRS is a non-profit national society that promotes the involvement, educational and professional advancement of minorities in the agriculture, natural resources and related science industries. Specifically, collegiate MANRRS chapters provide students with the opportunity for professional development by connecting them with a professional network through internships, conferences, and post-graduate mentors.

Ortega, originally from Stratford, TX will be graduating this May. During his time at WTAMU, he established the collegiate MANRRS chapter for students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Mathematics. Additionally, Ortega is involved in Hispanic Student Association, Pre-Vet Club and the MANRRS LEAD program.

MANRRS National Student Officers are chosen based on an application, interviews and GPA.

If chosen as a National Student Officer, Ortega will be a representative at meetings and conferences, take part in initiatives and serve as an advocate for the professional growth of minorities in agriculture, natural resources and related sciences.

WTAMU Students Assist in Entomology Expo

The Entomology Club attended the 2025 Southwestern Branch Meeting of the Entomological Society of America where students assisted in the Southwestern Branch Insect Expo.

The Insect Expo is an event for 3rd- 5th graders where they learn from professional entomologists and students studying entomology about the insect life span, how insects have adapted in their ecosystems and how insects are beneficial.

This year's Insect Expo was attended by 500 students who learned about entomology through hands-on activities.

WTAMU students also competed in an entomology quiz bowl, called Entomology Games and attended various educational scientific sessions.