From the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Happy Thanksgiving!

We asked the Dean’s Team what they are thankful for this Thanksgiving:

Dr. Kevin Pond

Dean of the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences

"I am thankful for health, family, and friends."

Dr. Lance Kieth

Associate Dean of External Relations and Recruiting

"I am thankful for my salvation, my family, my students, my friends, and my co-workers."

Dr. Brock Blaser

Assistant Dean of Academic Programs

"I am so grateful for the freedoms we enjoy."

Mrs. Amy Newton

Business Administrator

"I am thankful for my family and friends, my bible,

and grace."

Ms. Gretchen Henley

Academic Advising Liaison

"I am thankful for my savior Jesus Christ, my family, this amazing job, and the opportunity to help and work with students each and every day."

Mrs. Callie Cross

Curriculum Coordinator

"I am thankful for faith, family, and friendship."

Ms. Lexi Metz

Graduate Assistant

" I am thankful for my family, friends, and God and all of the opportunities and experiences He gives me."

Science Representative Receives Research Grant

Senior Physics major and Science Representative, Tucker Beekman, has been selected to receive the Killgore Research Center Undergraduate Research Grant.

These grants, of up to $3500, support students doing an independent research project with a faculty sponsor.

Assistant Professor of Physics and Beekman's faculty sponsor, Dr. Keshav Shrestha, explained Beekman's research and what he will do during his time conducting research.

"Tucker will study the fundamental physics of quantum materials," said Dr. Keshav Shrestha. " He will be focusing on superconductivity, magnetism, and topological phases, with particular interest in the newly discovered CsV₃Sb₅. To complete this project, Tucker will travel to Los Alamos National Laboratory and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory to perform experiments under high magnetic fields and low temperatures. These visits will give him access to cutting-edge instruments in national lab facilities and opportunities to connect with leading scientists—both essential for his academic career."

Congratulations to Tucker Beekman on this achievement!

Horse Judging Team Earns Reserve Champion Team Title

The Horse Judging Team competed at the American Quarter Horse Association World Show in Oklahoma City, on Nov. 11.

WTAMU competed against 16 collegiate teams across the US at this contest and earned the Reserve Champion Team title.

Horse Judging Team members include sophomore Agribusiness major, Bella Bridges; sophomore Equine Industry and Business major, Kurtlee Smith; senior Animal Science major, Caoimhe Been-Rothstein; junior Animal Science major, Madilynn Campbell; sophomore Agricultural Education major, Abigail Wiles; junior Equine Industry and Business major, Nathan Allison; and sophomore Animal Science major, Charli Wells.

Congratulations to the Horse Judging Team!

Team Results

1^st in Reasons
4^th in Halter
2^nd in Performance

Individual Results

Charli Wells - Limited Division

1^st Overall
6^th in Halter
1^st in Performance
3^rd in Reasons

Kurtlee Smith

4^th Overall
9^th in Halter
3^rd in Performance
3^rd in Reasons

Caoimhe Benn-Rothstein

7^th Overall
6^th in Halter
11^th in Performance
4^th in Reasons

Bella Bridges

10^th in Performance
10^th in Reasons

Madilynn Campbell

12^th Overall
4^th in Halter
6^th in Reasons

WTAMU Well Represented at CANVAS 2025

The WT Agronomy Club attended the SASES's annual conference in Salt Lake City, UT on Nov. 9-12.

SASES, or the Students of Agronomy, Soils, and Environmental Sciences, is an undergraduate student organization affiliated with the

American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA).

SASES provides students with opportunities to learn, network, and to participate in soil and crop judging contests.

"This conference provided our Agronomy Club students with opportunities to compete in a quiz bowl, crops judging, and club presentations," said Assistant Professor of Plant and Soil Science, Dr. Tanner Judd. "Furthermore, they had the chance to connect with some of the top crop, soil, and environmental scientists and industry professionals, allowing them to explore career, grad school, and other professional development opportunities."

Agronomy Club President and senior Plant, Soil and Environmental Science major, Ryon Howell, explained the specific topics that was covered at the annual conference.

"This year’s conference allowed us to explore what agriculture may look like in the next 40 years and how we can play a positive role in shaping that future," Howell said. "Overall, it was amazing learning experience."

Agronomy Club members competed in the crops judging contest and attended CANVAS 2025 during SASES's annual conference.

CANVAS 2025 is the international annual meeting for the three societies. CANVAS is a professional conference that is directed towards graduate students and faculty.

Assistant Professor of Agricultural Statistics, Dr. Guillermo Marcillo, was involved in the business meeting of the American Society of Agronomy Biometry and Statistical Computing Section.

Dr. Sushil Thapa, Assistant Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences, served as the 2025 ASA Leader for the Global Climate Change Community, in addition to moderating symposiums and organizing graduate student contests.

Dr. Marcillo, Dr. Thapa, and graduate student in Plant, Soil and Environmental Science, Analeese Brewster, also presented on their respective research at the conference.

Professor Honored at

Gallery of Excellence

Professor of Agricultural Business and Economics, Dr. Bridget Guerrero, was recently honored at the 32nd annual Gallery of Excellence on Nov. 12 in the Cornette Library.

The Gallery of Excellence honors faculty and staff for their outstanding service through various awards and recognitions.

Dr. Guerrero was named as the recipient of the Distinction in Sponsored Research Award.

"This award is reflective of the team of people who are working toward making agriculture even better," Dr. Guerrero said. "I am fortunate to have such excellent colleagues at WTAMU and collaborate with other universities and industry partners. I am honored, humbled, and blessed to work with the best."

This event is facilitated by the West Texas A&M University Staff Council and the Office of Career and Professional Development.

Congratulations to Dr. Bridget Guerrero!

Rodeo Team Competes in the Clarendon College Rodeo

The WT Rodeo Team traveled to Childress to compete in the final rodeo of the season, the Clarendon College Rodeo, on Nov. 13-15.

Many competitors qualified for the short round and finished out their rodeo season by placing high in the average.

Congratulations to the Rodeo Team for a successful season!

Individual Results

Steer Wrestling

James Colvin - tied 6^th- 10^th in short round to finish 6^th in average

Clayton Veldhuizen - tied 6^th- 10^th in short round to finish 10^th in average

Team Roping

John Hisel - tied 3^rd- 10^th in short round to finish 4^th in average

Henry Jones and Tryce Johnson - tied 3^rd- 10^th in short round and tied for 10th /11th in average

Tie-Down Roping

Henry Jones - 7^th in short round to finish 7^th in average

Goat Tying

Dallee Robison - tied 6^th - 7^th in the short round to finish 6^th in average

Barrel Racing

Tori Huddleston - 4^th in the short round to finish 5^th in average

Lexi Shedd - 9^th in short round to finish 9^th in average

Faculty Selected for SAEA Lifetime Achievement Award

Regents Professor of Agricultural Business and Economics, Dr. Lal Almas, was recently named as recipient of the Southern Agricultural Economics Association Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions in their professional career, through teaching, research, and public service.

This is the first time in the history of the Lifetime Achievement Award, since it's start in 1987, that a recipient was from WTAMU.

"I am truly honored to receive this recognition from my peers in the Southern Agricultural Economics Association," Dr. Almas said. "Being selected for the SAEA Lifetime Achievement Award is a meaningful acknowledgment of my contributions to teaching, research and service over the past thirty-two years.

This honor is shared with my teachers, colleagues, students, and mentors whose support has guided me throughout my academic career. I am also grateful to those who have nominated and endorsed me for this award."

Congratulations to Dr. Lal Almas!

Agribusiness Club Attends

Farm Tours

The WTAMU Agribusiness Club traveled to Stillwater, OK to tour various farms and agricultural facilities on Nov. 6-8.

Club members and faculty advisor, Dr. Bailey Young, toured the Hoffman Pecan Farm, a family owned pecan, honey, and cow/calf operation and visited the Oklahoma State University Family Dairy Center facility, where they interacted with OSU professors and graduate students.