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2026 Ag Day Celebration Continues Tradition of Giving

The 2026 Ag Day Celebration was held at the Bain Event Center in The Agricultural Science Complex on Saturday, Sept. 12.

The annual event raised $254,000 to support the Department of Agricultural Sciences, including recruitment efforts and student scholarships.

Hosted by the WTAMU Department of Agricultural Sciences and the Ag Development Association, Ag Day brings alumni, donors and community partners together to celebrate the department through silent and live auctions and a prime rib lunch sponsored by the Coors Cowboy Club.

During the celebration, Ag Development Association President Rex Brandon highlighted the department and college's continued growth, including enrollment, semester credit hours, and research efforts. Brandon shared how this growth reflects the continued impact of the Department of Agricultural Sciences and the importance of supporting its students, faculty and programs.

Ag Day is the largest single-day fundraiser in the Texas Panhandle, with funds raised supporting the department's efforts to recruit and support students.

The Department of Agricultural Sciences and the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences thank the ADA members, donors and community partners who helped make the 2026 Ag Day Celebration possible.

Agricultural Sciences Scholarship Ceremony Celebrates 2026 Student Success

The 2026 Department of Agricultural Sciences' Scholarship and Awards Ceremony was held Friday, Sept. 11, in the Piehl-Schaeffer Pavilion, located in the Agricultural Sciences Complex.

The annual event honors scholarship donors and recipients and provides an opportunity for them to meet and celebrate the impact of their support. This year, more than $1 million in scholarships were awarded to more than 380 students.

The ceremony also recognized the 2026 First Choice Award recipients and Graduates of Distinction. The First Choice Award recognizes organizations and individuals who have been instrumental in helping West Texas A&M University become a "First Choice" university for students. This year's recipients included Kevin Buse of Champion Feeders, LLC; U.S. Representative Dr. Ronny Jackson; and the Texas Cattle Feeders Association.

Graduates of Distinction are Department of Agricultural Sciences alumni who have experienced professional success while positively contributing to WTAMU Agriculture through leadership, service, advocacy and financial support. This year's honorees were Kody Carson '83, Wesley Spurlock '79 and Brady Yeary '79.

The Department of Agricultural Sciences gratefully acknowledges the scholarship donors and supporters whose generosity and commitment help provide opportunities for students.

Pre-Healthcare Club Visits TTU Pharmacy School

The Pre-Healthcare Club recently toured the Texas Tech School of Pharmacy in Amarillo. Fourteen students and three faculty members learned about pharmacy school requirements, explored pharmaceutical compounding labs and interprofessional opportunities, and met with the program’s Director of Admissions.

Students also connected with current pharmacy students, including several WT Natural Sciences alumni now attending Texas Tech. The Pre-Healthcare Club is open to students of all majors interested in healthcare careers, including pre-medicine, pre-physical therapy, pre-optometry, pre-pharmacy and pre-dentistry.

Students can follow the club on Instagram at @wtprehealthcare or contact Dr. Sierra Miller at snmiller@wtamu.edu to get involved.

Meat Science Students Represent at Certified Angus Beef Conference

Kade Lawrence and Ryan Heitschmidt represented West Texas A&M University at the 2026 Certified Angus Beef Annual Conference in Marco Island, Florida. Lawrence and Heitschmidt were among the top recipients of the CAB Colvin Scholarship in the undergraduate and graduate divisions, respectively.

During the conference, the students assisted with the CAB golf tournament fundraiser, participated in an onstage interview and connected with companies and beef industry leaders from across the country. Congratulations to Kade and Ryan on this opportunity and achievement!

WT Rodeo Gives Back at Exceptional Rodeo

Members of the WT Rodeo team volunteered at the Tri-State Fair Exceptional Rodeo in Amarillo, an inclusive event designed for children and individuals with special needs and physical and developmental disabilities.

The team enjoyed helping with the event and supporting participants as part of the annual Tri-State Fair & Rodeo. Their involvement provided an opportunity to serve the community and help make the event a memorable experience for participants.

RFD-TV Highlights WTAMU Herdsmen

The Herdsmen were recently featured by RFD-TV in a special highlighting the students who care for and work with Thunder. The feature, "More Than a Mascot: Meet the Herdsmen Caring for Thunder," aired Sept. 14 and featured animal science students Jacque Ghormley and Taylor Goin.

The Herdsmen discussed the responsibility of caring for Thunder, preparing the buffalo for football games and carrying on a tradition that dates back decades. The feature also highlighted the connection between the Herdsmen, animal science and the agricultural heritage of the Texas Panhandle.

The WTAMU Herdsmen tradition began in 1977, while the university's live buffalo tradition dates back to 1922. Today, a team of 13 students work alongside graduate students and faculty advisors to care for and train Thunder.

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