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Congratulations, Buff Graduates! Photo of Colton Gallandat.

Click here to watch the Spring 2026 TBRCOESS Graduation Ceremony video.

Dr. Bigham's Data Byte

FA25 TTL Count = 1755; UG = 1085, GR = 670;

FA25 EDUC = 987, PSCJ = 388, PSSW = 380

SP26 TTL Count = 1764; UG = 1008, GR = 756;

SP26 EDUC = 1078, PSCJ = 366, PSSW = 320

We are grateful for each and every student in our college. It is exciting to watch them develop their knowledge, their passion, and their commitment to being a positive influence as they move into their professional careers.

WT's online Master's in Public Administration program has been recognized as one of the top programs in Texas for 2026! The program is ranked the #2 online Master's in Public Administration program in the state.

"We are excited for the recognition and for what is to come for the MPA program," said Dr. Lovell.

The program accepts the Texas firefighter waiver and is part of the Educators Excellence program here at WTAMU.

Apply now through July 1. Contact program director Dr. Darrell Lovell, dlovell@wtamu.edu, with any questions.

Click here for information on how to apply.

Click here to read more details on the ranking.

The College Advisory Board exists to provide the college with a competitive advantage by facilitating interaction with the education and social sciences community and the community-at-large in a variety of ways to help achieve the college’s mission.

Thank you to the following College Advisory Board members:

Dr. Joe Barton, Chief of the Youth Center of the High Plains

Dr. Darryl Flusche, Superintendent, Canyon Independent School District

Ms. Brenda Foster, Director of Curriculum & Instruction at Region 16 Education Service Center

Mr. Bob Hatton, Business Finance Consultant

Mrs. Lanna Hatton, Retired Educator

Mr. John Hazle, Vice President for Youth Services at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch

Dr. Alan Kee, Child, Adolescent, Adult, and Family Psychotherapist

Dr. Tanya Larkin, Executive Director of Region 16

Mr. James Layman, Superintendent, Spearman ISD

Ms. Becky Lozano, Clinical Advisor for Services at the Hope and Healing Place

Mr. Gary Pitner, Former Executive Director, Panhandle Regional Planning Commission

Mr. Joe Price, City Manager of Canyon, Texas

Mr. Dyke Rogers, Business Leader/Entrepreneur

Mrs. Terry B. Rogers, Retired Teacher/Principal

The Committee had a productive and collaborative meeting in April to discuss issues that included strategic guidance, enhancing student opportunities, and innovation.

Our sincere appreciation to these distinguished professionals for their service, experience, and support.

Click here for details on the TBRCOESS Advisory Board

Following a successful pilot year, the Department of Education is officially launching a Residency Program for education students with the main goal to address teacher shortages.

Photo of Canyon ISD pilot participants include from left, Tiffany Lunde, Maggie McIntyre, Soliel Guckian, Colton Gallandat, Jasmine Covarrubias and Alina Heredia.

The Buff Teacher Residency program offers aspiring educators a year-long, paid clinical teaching experience where they co-teach alongside a mentor. In the process, they gain authentic classroom experience and build the confidence to lead their own classroom.

The Department of Education recently announced its 2026-2027 cohort, expanding to additional school districts.

Students include:

Evan Blankenship, a junior education major from Amarillo, at Amarillo ISD

Mia Briseno, a senior education major from Amarillo, at Amarillo ISD

Kathleen Curry, a senior education major from Andrews, at Amarillo ISD

Berdena DeGroot-Troyer, a senior education major from Canyon, at Canyon ISD

Kacie Eugea, a senior education major from Groom, at Amarillo ISD

Taetem Fox, a senior education major from Seguin, at Amarillo ISD

Alexandria Garcia, a senior education major from Dumas, at Dumas ISD

Jordan Johnson, a junior education major from Amarillo, at Canyon ISD

John Lucero, a senior education major from Tahoka, at Lubbock ISD

Savannah Miller, a senior education major from Canyon, at Canyon ISD

Valeria Perez, a senior education major from Amarillo, at Amarillo ISD

Trinity Puryear, a senior education major from Amarillo, at Amarillo ISD

Victoria Rinker, a senior education major from Perryton, at Pampa ISD

Paula Rodriguez, a senior education major from Amarillo, at Amarillo ISD

Natalee Romero, a senior education major from Floydada, at Canyon ISD

Nola Trolinder, a junior education major from Canyon, at Canyon ISD

Ashlyn Verner, a senior education major from Amarillo, at Amarillo ISD

This cohort of resident students will teach in a variety of content areas, including early childhood through sixth grade, social studies, mathematics, science and history.

The Buff Residency program is modeled after a similar program launched in 2021 by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Funding for the program is made possible through a combination of state-supported initiatives and district partnerships. Programs such as Texas Strategic Staffing and grants from Learning Acceleration Support Opportunities provide districts with financial support to compensate resident teachers. Partner districts are the ones who directly fund and pay residents, while WT works alongside districts to coordinate and sustain the program—making it a shared investment in developing future educators.

Click here to read the complete WT article.

Click here to watch the News Channel 10 news story

Click here to read the MyHighPlains.com news story

The Department of Education was thrilled to celebrate the first Charles Butt Scholar to graduate. In 2025, Judith Sanchez Solano was in the first cohort of recipients to receive $8000 per year in scholarship funding awarded by the Charles Butt Foundation to education majors. She is the first of these scholars to graduate and step into her professional educational career.

Congratulations, Ms. Solano!

Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences is proud to announce the College 2026 faculty award recipients. It is a privilege to recognize this distinguished group of extraordinary faculty and the impact they have on their programs and students.

Instructional Responsibilities Recognition

Dr. Brandon Bang,

Associate Professor of Criminal Justice

Intellectual Contributions Recognition

Dr. Vince Nix

Assistant Professor of Education

Professional Service Recognition

Dr. Elizabeth Rogers

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Thank you to these caring and talented faculty for their knowledge, vision, and support of student learning and programs. Your hard work and dedication is what creates the valuable WTAMU experience.

Congratulations with our appreciation.

Congratulations to all TBRCOESS deserving faculty.

Click here to read the complete WTAMU faculty award story on all 2026 WT Faculty Awardees.

Congratulations to WT alum Almadelfina De Leon on being awarded Teacher of the Year for the Hereford ISD, and the teacher of the year for the Tierra Blanca ECC campus. 

Ms. De Leon graduated in 2021 and is doing an exceptional job in her professional teaching career in Hereford, Texas.

Congratulations, Ms. De Leon. We are proud of our WT Buff.

Congratulations to the following TBRCOESS Attebury Honors graduating students:

Marly Kate Burnett - Criminal Justice

Riven Robinson - Psychology

Alison Fiona Sweeney - Political Science

The Attebury Honors Program Graduation Reception was held May 12, 2026 to recognize these exceptional honors scholars.

Congratulations.

Click here to read more about the Attebury Honors Program at WT.

Twenty-four graduates from the Dyke and Terry Rogers Leadership Education and Development Program were celebrated on May 14 at a special pre-commencement ceremony.

TBRCOESS graduate Kate Burnett, a criminal justice major from Lubbock, Texas was among those graduating seniors honored with their Leadership Certificate. Rogers LEAD Scholars graduate with confidence in their ability to lead, prepared for the exceptional employment opportunities ahead, and are eager to serve in their communities. We are proud the graduates are committed to making a difference in others' lives. 

Congratulations, Ms. Burnett!

Click here to read the complete WT article.

On Friday, April 17, Dr. Bang attended the Senior Ring Celebration at the Bain Athletic Complex to celebrate graduating students from the Criminal Justice and Psychology programs. During the ceremony, seniors who purchased class rings had a short tribute read as they received their rings and were given the opportunity to recognize individuals who made a meaningful impact on their journey at West Texas A&M University.

Dr. Bang with Marco Terrones, Criminal Justice

Dr. Bang with Kyler Hernandez, Psychology

Destiny Cruz, Psychology; Dr. Bang; and D'Laney Cruz, Psychology

Faculty members who were personally acknowledged by students were invited to participate in the celebration. "It was a meaningful event and a special opportunity to share such an important milestone for our students," said Dr. Bang.

TBRCOESS is proud to recognize the following extraordinary Student of the Month! 

The Department of Criminal Justice would like to recognize Barbara J. Latta for Academic Performance, Engagement in the Profession and/or Field, Leadership in Major.

Nomination:

"Barbara exemplifies what it means to be engaged, service-oriented, and committed to both her academic and professional development. In her major, she has demonstrated strong academic performance, maintaining a solid GPA while enrolled full-time and earning placement on the Dean’s List. Her commitment to her coursework reflects both discipline and a genuine investment in her field of study."

..."Finally, she represents outstanding character and professionalism. Her continued service to others, her support of fellow criminal justice students, her academic consistency, and her engagement in both campus and community initiatives illustrate a student who leads by example and reflects positively on the program."

Congratulations, Ms. Latta.

WT's recent Top Students Honors Celebration included recognition for TBRCOESS student Avery Shelton, a senior social work major from Amarillo. Avery was recognized for completing a track in the Student Leadership Relay, a University-wide program designed to enhance leadership experience for all students.

It is rewarding to see students recognized for the development of the colleges mission to advance society by developing professionals to lead, serve, and educate. 

Congratulations, Avery.

Read the complete WT story here.

Click here to watch Avery's WT Story.

https://vimeo.com/1174904528

Amy Criss, director of military services, was presented the Faculty/Staff Military-Connected Excellence Award by the A&M System Veteran & Military Services office at a special April 21 reception.

Grateful for TBRCOESS student Rylan Dove for his leadership and service as Student Veterans Organization president.

Photo: from left, Dr. Shawn Fouts, senior director of campus community; Rhiannon Sellinger, military and veteran benefits coordinator; Amy Criss, director of military and veteran services; Destany Walters, student benefits coordinator; and Rylan Dove, Student Veterans Organization president.

Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year was awarded to Landrey Posey, a senior psychology major from Amarillo, Texas. Landrey was nominated and works as a student assistant in the University Police Department.

Congratulations, Landrey!

Other TBRCOESS student employees nominated included:

Cassidy Cross, a graduate student in psychology from Amarillo;

Anna Holcomb, a graduate student in psychology from Amarillo;

Natalee Romero, a senior education major from Floydada



We are proud of these college student employees who are supporting and making a difference at WT.

Congratulations, and thank you all for your service.

Click here to read more details about Landrey and all the nominated student employees who support WTAMU.

The Delta Kappa Gamma - Zeta Delta chapter at WT held a ceremony on Saturday, April 18th, to present their annual grant-in-aid awards to outstanding junior/senior women majoring in education at West Texas A&M University.

The recipients

honored this year were Jordan Johnson, from Amarillo, TX;

Tavela Norris, from Amarillo, TX ; and

Abriana Rocha from Amarillo, TX

Delta Kappa Gamma is a professional honor society for women educators.

Click here to learn more about Delta Kappa Gamma.

Recognizing the new Kappa Delta Phi (KDP) inductees. KDP is the premier National Professional Association and Honor Society for Educators.

In the picture we have (front left) Gracia Cox, Rylan Dove and Roxy, (back left) Dean Bigham, Victoria Rinker, Garren Bustamante, Derek Valdez, Jennifer Orand, and Dr. Denham (Advisor)

Iota Theta Chapter of Kappa Delta PI, International Honor Society in Education

The purpose of the Iota Theta Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi is to promote excellence in and recognition of outstanding contributions to education. Kappa Delta Pi shall endeavor to maintain a high degree of professional fellowship among its members, to quicken professional growth, and to honor achievement in educational



Click here to read more about KDP

Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, is proud to welcome 10 new members;

Kyia Brownlee, Emergency Management Administration student from Houston, TX

Maria Campos Neri, Emergency Management Administration student from Houston, TX

Serena Carpenter; Communication Studies student with a minor in Political Science from Amarillo, TX

Brandi Cox Britt; Emergency Management Administration student from Pasadena, TX

Michael Helms; Emergency Management Administration student from Jourdanton, TX

Benjamin Kogo; Political Science student from Canyon, TX

Gabrielle Powell; Political Science student from Pueblo, CO

Sarah Robel; Criminal Justice student from Amarillo, TX

Jason Samp; Emergency Management Administration from Odessa, TX

Brady Schuetz; Emergency Management Administration from Valley Mills, TX

Click here for more information on Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society

Congratulations to Psychology graduate student Ms. Rodina Scott for successfully completing her oral comprehensive exam.

(Photo; Dr. Denton, Dr. De Butte, Ms. Scott, and Dr. Pinkham)

Congratulations to Psychology student Ms. Olha Humeniuk for successfully defending her master's thesis.

Photo: Drs. Pinkham, Alamdari, Macchione, Olha Humeniuk, and Dr. De Butte.

Congratulations to Psychology graduate student Claude Bigirimana (photo) on passing his oral comprehensive exams.

Congratulations to these hard working, dedicated Psychology students. Your professional future is bright with an upcoming Master's in Psychology degree.

Congratulations to PSYC (and Biology!) Buff Olie Ghosh for completing her Attebury Honors capstone, “The adverse effects of social media and internet on the brain."

Ms. Ghosh completed her Neuroscience certification!

Congratulations, Ms. Ghosh!

Click here for more information on the Neuroscience Certificate Program

Or contact Dr. De Butte with your interest.

Bachelor in Social Work (BSW) hosted a Spring 2026 Class Celebration to recognize the upcoming graduating seniors.

Photo:

Back row (Left to Right): Avery Shelton,

Jessica Frausto,

Liset Rodriguez,

Roberto Sanchez

Front row (Left to Right): Michaela Goodale,

Abigail Perez,

Jessica Apodaca,

Yesenia Alonso

Congratulations, Seniors.

"The Criminal Justice Program held its first annual “A Night of Excellence” awards ceremony on Thursday, April 30th. The event was a tremendous success, and Legends in the JBK was packed with enthusiastic Criminal Justice students, faculty, friends, and family members gathered to celebrate student achievement and excellence.

During the ceremony, Dr. Bang awarded graduation cords to graduating Criminal Justice Association (CJA) members, presented certificates to scholarship recipients and PSCJ Students of the Month, and recognized the recipient of the Criminal Justice Student of the Year award.

A photo from the event shows the Criminal Justice faculty celebrating the CJ Student of the Year Kate Burnett.

Photo: Instructors Jeanette Bissoni and Dawn Marie Jordan, Dr. Ponce, Ms. Kate Burnett, Dr. Sohee and Dr. Bang.

The Criminal Justice Program was incredibly pleased with the success of the event and looks forward to making “A Night of Excellence” an annual tradition," says Dr. Bang, program director.



Congratulations to all those recognized throughout the evening.

The Social Work - Sociology - Political Science - Social Science Education programs hosted a recognition ceremony on April 29. The event recognized outstanding students, graduates, and scholarship recipients. An excellent opportunity for the 37 students who attended to be honored and celebrate their success.

WT students Allan Baltazar, Stephanie Esquivel, and Riven Robinson joined Dr. Macchione at the annual conference of the NorthEastern Evolutionary Psychology Society (NEEPS) in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo)

Research was presented and a great opportunity to learn and network.

Graduate student Allan Baltazar was invited to be included in a graduate student panel discussion at the conference.

Good turnout for the session with excellent Q&As and discussions among the attendees.

Thank you, Allan, for representing WT.

Sociology of Religion class was hosted by St. John of Prodromos Greek Orthodox Church of Amarillo. "Fantastic hosts and the students and I loved the opportunity to attend and learn about this religious community’s rich history and contemporary, substantial growth," said Dr. Kraus.

This site also hosts the Ethiopian Orthodox congregation, so students were able to see their alter as well.

Social Work faculty Dr. Kristy Bartlett, Dr. Meg DeJong-Shier, and Dr. Lydia Miller presented at the Social Work Distance Education Virtual Conference: Navigating Complex Opportunities and Challenges for Distance Education.

The Future is Now: Incorporating Foresight into Distance Education

Practice

Description:

A challenge for social work educators is preparing students to be successful for the future as well as the present. This presentation will introduce the concept of futures thinking and foresight practice to participants which can be useful in preparing students for the future, any future. Participants will be provided with multiple tools associated with foresight practice that they can readily implement in their online classrooms. 

Centering Marginalized Voices in Social Work Education: A Conceptual Approach Engaging ADEI in Practice

Curriculum

ORAL PRESENTATION:

New ADEI standards aim to move beyond White hegemony in social work education yet face political scrutiny and legislative challenges. This presentation advocates centering marginalized voices in curriculum rather than just promoting cultural competency. Using Feminist Standpoint Theory, Funds of Knowledge, and Kolb's Learning Stages, it presents a model where marginalized perspectives become foundational to education, not supplementary, requiring deliberate pedagogical transformation.

Click here for more information about the conference.

Dr. Brigette Whaley has been invited to Austin to provide expert testimony to the House Committee on Public Education on her research related to the cell phone legislation passed in the past session (HB 1481).

Dr. Whaley's research continues to be shared nationwide.

A new article in Education Week that posted on April 28, 2026. It is called- What Happens When Schools Restrict Cellphone Use.

https://www.edweek.org/technology/what-happens-when-schools-restrict-cellphone-use/2026/04

Overview- New survey sheds light on how cellphone restrictions are improving student behavior and engagement.

Additional articles connected to research include:

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260413255451/en/As-Yondr-Reaches-3-Million-Students-Worldwide-New-Report-Tracks-the-Impact-of-a-Phone-Free-Education?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=bookmark

Article in The Las Vegas Sun

April was Child Abuse Prevention Month

Mission

Amarillo Area CASA advocates for children of abuse and neglect through the efforts of trained volunteers, appointed by the court to ensure them a safe, nurturing and permanent environment.

Amarillo Area CASA Recognized WT faculty Dr. Dave Rausch in their newsletter's Advocate of the Month Spotlight.

From the CASA News Spotlight:

"This month, we are proud to recognize

Dave Rausch as our Advocate Spotlight! Since 2009, Dave Rausch has served as a CASA volunteer and exemplifies what consistent, quality, and long-term advocacy looks like. His dedication over the years reflects a deep commitment to ensuring children have a stable, caring adult walking beside them every step of the way."

Thank you, Dr. Rausch, for your service to children in our community.

Amarillo Area CASA is seeking volunteer advocates to help children facing abuse and neglect. Click here if you would like to learn more at the CASA website.

Dr. Jenifer Kunz, the Dyke Rogers Professor of Sociology, recently presented her latest research, "The Legacy of Divorce: A Multi-Generational Analysis," at the 2026 National Social Science Association meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This study explores how divorce is passed across nine generations within a single family. The findings show that individuals raised in divorced households are significantly

more likely to experience divorce themselves compared to those from non-divorced families. Possible explanations for this pattern are examined.

Special thanks to the Dyke Rogers Professor of Sociology funding that provides exceptional faculty members with additional resources for teaching, meaningful scholarship, and professional development.

Mariposa Writing Camp Phase 2 Concludes with Public Showcase

Seven high school students from four Amarillo high schools presented original place-based digital StoryMaps in Legacy Hall on May 9, marking the public conclusion of Phase 2 of the Mariposa Writing Camp research project.

The project, directed by Dr. Shanna Peeples (Associate Professor of Education and Dr. John G. O'Brien Distinguished Chair), is supported by the Amarillo Area Foundation's Katherine E. Brady Fund and examines how disciplined attention to place affects writing self-efficacy and place attachment among high school students. The students' digital StoryMaps were produced in collaboration with Anita Palmer, a National Geographic Explorer, who led mapping and storytelling sessions throughout the project.

Photo caption: 

Annalicia Zamora presents her StoryMap "The Life Amarillo's Water Gives" during the Mariposa Writing Camp Phase 2 showcase in Legacy Hall, May 9, 2026. Photo by Shanna Peeples.

Click here to read more about the John G. O'Brien Distinguished Chair.

Badgers 2 Buffs Signing Day at the Oeschger Family Mall at Amarillo College was a great opportunity for our program representatives and advisors to connect with AC students transferring to West Texas A&M University.

We are proud of our AC transfer students and are excited you chose WT as the next step in your higher educational journey. Honoring Badger Pride, Welcoming Future Buffs.

On April 1, Drs. Bang and Ponce proudly represented the Criminal Justice Program at the "Art and Education Career and Transfer Fair" at Amarillo College, engaging with prospective students and showcasing the opportunities within the program.

Click here to learn more about the professional career opportunities through the Criminal Justice Program

The May 11 Texas Strategic Staffing (TSS) Newsletter has an article highlighting WT's successful Discovery Showcase. The Education department was thrilled to make theTSS news blast with the hope it will generate more interest from other school districts for the next event.

TSS Article Quote:

"Discover Days in West Texas"

"It’s recruitment season! This week’s highlights are from West Texas! West Texas A&M University hosted its inaugural District Discovery Showcase on February 24th. TSS 25-27 grant recipients, Floydada CISD, Seagraves ISD, and Tahoka ISD from Region 17 attended, as well as Canyon ISD from Region 16. Michelle Stuart and Erin Prickett (pictured here) support these regions. 

Kudos to WTAMU for this successful event and the 15 districts across Regions 11,14,16,17, & 18 who attended that made it an event to be repeated each year."

Click here to read the complete TSS Newsletter

"Walk Across Texas" Team Challenge

From March 2^nd to April 26th, Buffs on the Move Team collectively walked over 1,300 miles. 

Education Team members (photo): Dr. Beth Garcia, Dr. Ashley Campbell, Dr. Jennifer Denham, Dr. Shanna Peeples, and Mr. Pyxa Sovilay.

Way to walk, Buffs.

Happy May Birthday

Kristy Bartlett

Brigette Whaley

Ana Ibarra

Kaleb Demerew

Mark Garrison

Brad Johnson

Michelle Simmons

May 20: WT Hosting School Board Workshop

May 25: Holiday, WT Closed

May 27: WT Hosting Story Bridge - WT Stadium

May 28-29: 1st NSO

June 4-5: NSO

June 11-12: NSO

June 15: (NSO-1 day)

June 19: Juneteenth Holiday - WT Closed

June 25-26: NSO

June 30: WT All Staff Awards Luncheon

July 16-17: NSO

August 17-18: NSO

August 19: WT Fac/Staff Convocation. 10:00am

2501 4th Avenue, Old Main 410, Canyon, TX 79016

(806) 651-2600