Over the course of upcoming Buff Briefs, the new Ag Ambassadors and Science Representatives will be introduced. | | Welcome New Ag Ambassadors | | |
Ag Ambassadors are a group of student leaders who strive to serve the Department of Agricultural Sciences by assisting at events and with recruiting efforts.
Recently, the Ag Ambassador team welcomed 17 new members. These students will join the 7 current Ambassadors as they begin their roles this Fall.
Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Ag Ambassadors!
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Name: Jacque Ghormley
Major: Animal Science
Hometown: Rockwall, TX
What are you looking forward to as an Ag Ambassador?
"I am most excited to make new connections in the industry, unlock new opportunities I never thought possible, and share the spirit of WT AG with those around me."
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Name: Ridley Strackbein
Major: Animal Science
Hometown: Fredericksburg, TX
What are you involved with on
campus?
"I am a Rogers LEAD Scholar, a member of Sigma Alpha, Fall Gather 2025 Logistics Chairperson, Block & Bridle Vice President and WT Research Feedlot Assistant."
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Name: Abbigayle Smith
Major: Agricultural Media & Communication
Hometown: Robert Lee, TX
What does WT AG mean to you?
"WT AG has become my home away from home. It has given me an atmosphere to grow as a person both academically and personally. These people and this place have brought so many opportunities, that I will forever be grateful for."
| | Welcome New Science Representatives | | The Science Representatives are a select group of student leaders chosen for their exceptional skills and dedication to representing the values of the Department of Chemistry and Physics and the Department of Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences. These students play a vital role in their departments by assisting with events, recruitment efforts, and special opportunities. | | |
Name: Itzel Alvarez
Major: Wildlife Biology
Hometown: Laverne, OK
What are you involved with on campus?
"I am involved with the WT Equestrian Team, Residence Hall Association, Animal Companion Club, Baptist Student Ministry, Young Life, and the Wildlife Society."
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Name: Joe Cavender
Major: Wildlife Biology
Hometown: Midlothian, TX
What does being a Science Representative mean to you?
"To me, being a Science Representative means being able to represent our science department and getting people excited about science related topics."
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Name: Kendall Killingsworth
Major: Wildlife Biology
Hometown: Amarillo, TX
What are you excited for as a Science Representative? "I'm genuinely excited to serve as a Science Representative for West Texas A&M University because it allows me to actively support the academic and personal growth of students in a field I am passionate about."
| | Employees Honored at All- Staff Service Awards Luncheon | | |
The All-Staff Service Awards Luncheon, hosted by WTAMU's Staff Council, was held on June 24.
This event honored employees for their service and dedication to the University.
Mrs. RoseAnne Platt, Administrative Associate in the Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences, was among the honorees.
Mrs. Platt was recognized for her 20 years of service to WTAMU. In attendance to show support was Dr. Jason Yarbrough, Head of the Department of Life, Earth & Environmental Sciences and the Department of Chemistry and Physics.
Congratulations to all the recipients and to Mrs. RoseAnne Platt!
| | Faculty Organize 2025 WT Science Camp | | |
The 2025 WT Science Camp, organized by the Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Department of Chemistry and Physics was held on June 24-26.
This inaugural event, hosted in the Natural Sciences Building on campus, was tailored for 6th through 8th grade students.
WTAMU faculty and Science Representatives taught camp attendees a variety of topics including entomology, geology, chemistry, biology, physics and wildlife biology.
"Our first annual Science Camp was a huge success," said Dr. Erik Crosman, Assistant Department Head. "The 6th- 8th graders who attended camp were incredible. It was an amazing opportunity to connect with and help develop future scientists of the Panhandle."
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WT Herdsmen Participate in
4th of July Parade
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The WT Herdsmen Team and Thunder XV participated in Canyon's 4th of July Parade.
Herdsmen members walked Thunder XV along the parade route as onlookers watched the University mascot at one of the largest 4th of July parades in Texas. Behind them, Herdsmen Advisor, Dr. Kelly Jones, drove the WTAMU Herdsmen truck and trailer.
The Herdsmen Team members included junior Agricultural Media and Communication major, Jozie Petit; Agriculture Education senior, Emily Montgomery; Cayden Hodnett, Agriculture Education sophomore; sophomore Agricultural Business and Economics major Calvin Autrey; and Will Hauerland a senior Agricultural Business and Economics major.
| | District 6 4-H Members Visit Department of Agricultural Sciences | | |
4-H members visited the WTAMU Department of Agricultural Sciences during a day trip on June 25 while attending the District 6 Senior Leader Lab at the CETA Canyon Campgrounds.
While on campus, 4-H members toured the Ag Sciences Complex and VERO, where they learned about the various programs offered.
Additionally, students engaged in a personality profile assessment led by WTAMU faculty, and were treated to lunch by the Agriculture Development Association.
| | Recruitment Trip to Texas FFA State Convention | | |
Faculty and students from the Department of Agricultural Sciences traveled to Fort Worth to recruit during the 97th Texas FFA State Convention held June 30-July 4.
Faculty attendees included Drs. Dan Posey, Tanner Robertson, Christy Petry-Adams, Lauren Pool, Nate Wolf, Kevin Williams, Kelly Jones and Kayla Alward.
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Over 115 students from the Department of Agricultural Sciences are currently working at their 2025 summer internships.
These internships are taking place across 18 different states and include Nutrien Ag Solutions, National High School Rodeo Association, Five Rivers Cattle Feeding LLC, Cargill, Texas A&M Agrilife, Tyson Foods and Crop Quest.
Way to go, Buffs!
| | Faculty Focus |Dr. Qi Kang | | |
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