Grit, Growth, Greatness!

Equestrian Team Earns National High-Point Title; Riders Receive National Honors

The WT Equestrian Team has been named the 2026 National Horse & Rider High-Point Western Team, marking the program's first time earning the honor in 13 years.

The achievement reflects a season defined by hard work, consistency and dedication from each rider, with performances throughout the year contributing to the national recognition.

Individually, Helene Keiser was named the Horse & Rider Team Open Horsemanship winner, presented by NSBA, adding to the team's list of national accomplishments. Violet Hodgson also earned national recognition as the Corro Team Rookie Horsemanship, further highlighting the depth of talent within the program.

In addition, Ashton Hollingsworth was selected as a recipient of the IHSA Quiet Champion Award, a national recognition presented to one Western and one Hunt Seat rider across all of IHSA. The award honors riders who may not always be in the spotlight but consistently demonstrate dedication, perseverance and commitment to their team.

The team also recognized the support system behind its success, including faculty, families, friends and supporters, as well as head coach Lori Jaixen, whose leadership and commitment have played a key role in the program's accomplishments.

Together, these recognitions highlight both the competitive success and strong team culture within the WT Equestrian program.

Faculty and Staff Recognized at Spring College Meeting

Faculty and staff in the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences were recognized for their achievements during the college's spring meeting, highlighting excellence across teaching, research and service.

Dr. Dan Posey received the award for Outstanding Achievement in Instructional Responsibilities, recognizing his commitment to student learning and classroom excellence.

Dr. Keshav Shrestha was honored for Outstanding Achievement in Intellectual Contributions, reflecting his impact in research and scholarly work.

Dr. Trent Schwartz earned the award for Outstanding Achievement in Professional Service, recognizing his contributions to the profession and industry engagement.

Three faculty members were recognized with the Young Faculty Award: Dr. Bailey Young, Dr. Juganta Roy and Dr. Carla Eichler, highlighting their early-career excellence and contributions to the college.

In addition, Amy Newton received the Rebekah Bachman Yardstick Quality Award, recognizing outstanding performance and dedication to quality in her role.

The awards reflect the continued commitment of faculty and staff to excellence in teaching, research and service within the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences.

Department of Ag Sciences Celebrates Student Achievement at The Ag Gathering

Top students from the Department of Ag Sciences were recognized during The Ag Gathering, the department's annual year-end banquet held May 6.

The event celebrated student achievement across academics, leadership, internships, competitive teams and student organizations within the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences.

"WT Ag students continue to raise the bar every year with their many outstanding accomplishments," Said Dr. David Lust, department head. "The collective achievements of our students in so many differing areas is impressive, humbling, special and rare."

Eleanor Crouch, a senior animal science major, and Abbigayle Smith, a junior agricultural media and communication major, received the Smallwood Leader Award, which includes a $1,000 scholarship and honors leadership within the department.

Students recognized as Outstanding Seniors included:

Montana Goodman – Agribusiness

Oaklynn Recker – Agricultural Business and Economics

Madelyn Ley – Agriculture

Emily Montgomery – Agriculture Education

Kaslyn Moczygemba – Agricultural Media and Communication

Helene Keiser – Animal Science

Jordyn Matus – Animal Science / Pre-Vet

Lainey Konetzki – Equine Industry and Business

Landon Langenbau – Plant, Soil and Environmental Science

Bailey Lamb, a graduate student in animal science, was named Outstanding Graduate Student, while Baileigh Shaw received recognition as the department’s Intern of the Year.

The banquet also recognized numerous students across undergraduate programs, as well as the department’s competitive teams and active student organizations. The western elegance-themed event was organized by students in the Agricultural Program and Event Planning course.

Kentucky Stocker Cattle Producers Tour WT Agricultural Facilities

Members of the Kentucky Stocker Cattle Producers Organization visited West Texas A&M University on April 30 for a tour of agricultural facilities and educational programming focused on beef production and research.

The group toured the WTAG building, the Nance Ranch and the WT Research Feedyard, gaining insight into the university’s teaching, research and industry outreach efforts.

Faculty members leading tours and presentations included JP Andrade, Dr. Trent Schwartz, Tommy Perkins, Dr. David Lust, Dr. Kendall Samuelson, Dr. John Richeson, Dr. Mozart Fonseca and Dr. Dan Posey.

The visit provided opportunities for discussion on current practices in cattle production, feedyard management and agricultural research, while also strengthening connections between industry professionals and university programs.

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