Dean's Message:
To step into the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences is to step into a legacy deeply intertwined with the very identity of our region. Our college is rich in history and grounded in traditions that have shaped generations of purpose-driven individuals. From our humble beginnings to our current role as a modern hub for innovation, we remain fiercely dedicated to our core mission—advancing society by developing professionals to lead, serve, and educate.
As we honor our legacy, the true measure of our impact lies in how each of us brings that mission to life every day. I challenge every faculty member, staff, student, alumni, and community partner to ask yourself: How am I actively shaping tomorrow’s leaders, servants, and educators? Let this month be a catalyst for concrete steps; whether it’s integrating service‑learning projects into your courses, mentoring the next generation of innovators, championing research that solves real‑world problems, or cultivating inclusive spaces where inquiry minds thrive.
Let’s enhance our community of practice by sharing our initiatives, celebrating breakthroughs, and holding each other accountable. Together, we will transform our shared purpose from an inspiring statement into tangible change that reverberates across our campus, our region, and beyond.
Dr. Gary Bigham
Regents Professor and Dean
| | Recognizing Summer 2026 Embedded Associate Degree Recipients | | |
The completion of summer 2026 semester recognized (17) enrolled TBRCOESS bachelor's degree students who completed the requirements for the conferral of an embedded Associate's Degree. Congratulations. The designation has been added to their official transcripts.
We are proud to recognize these students on their first academic milestone achievement towards attaining a bachelor's degree, and we are excited to support their continued success.
| | Recognizing Exceptional Students | |
Ms. Jacklyn Chacon
Congratulations to Ms. Jackie Chacon on being chosen as the Student of the Month!
Jackie was nominated by Dr. Coneway for recognition based on her Academics, Engagement, and Leadership in the B.S. Education Core 4-8 Certification program.
Dr. Coneway shared, "Jackie is a selfless person who always strives to help others. Her kind and positive spirit draws people in. She is passionate about teaching in grades 4-8 because she wants to share her kindness and passion for learning with this group of students. Jackie was selected as a Charles Butt Scholar for 2026-2027. She wants to work in rural Title I schools."
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Mr. Luke Southerington
Congratulations to Luke on being chosen as student of the Month. Luke was nominated by Dr. Michelle Simmons based on his Academics, Engagement, and Leadership in the B.S. Education EC-12 Special Education Certification program.
Dr. Simmons shared, "Luke is an outstanding student. In the classroom, he exhibits above average academic performance and actively engages in coursework. Outside the classroom, he is active across campus as a university athlete. Luke will be an asset to the field of special education and successful in working in the future with children with learning differences."
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Mr. Joshua Mangum
Congratulations to Joshua on being chosen as student of the Month. Joshua was nominated by the Psychology faculty based on his Academics, Engagement, and Leadership in the B.A. Psychology Program.
The faculty shared, "Joshua is a consistently engaged student in courses, and his participation in classes has been observed to have a positive impact on the engagement of other students in class discussions. He is dependable, and the quality of his work is extremely good. He is an RA, Psychology Club president, member of Active Minds and overall a very engaged student."
| | Congratulations to each of these exceptional students. Thank you for all you do to support our students and the larger WT community. | |
MSSW Student Received
Hogg Foundation Scholarship
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Congratulations to Aubrey Watley, master in social work student on being selected to receive a 2026-2027 Hogg Foundation scholarship for Mental Health.
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The one-time award supports M.S.W. students prior to launching a career in providing mental health services to underserved/ underrepresented individuals and their communities in Texas. The scholarship award will be in the amount of $5,000.00 for the period May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027.
Congratulations, Aubrey.
View the Hogg Foundation website for full recipient list.
| | McNair Scholar Presented Research | | |
McNair Scholar Kimberly Beltran, psychology major, presented her research at the University of New Mexico McNair Scholars Research Conference.
Kimberly completed her project, "Affirming the healer, honoring the patient: Psychological strategies for equitable BIPOC care," under the mentorship of Dr. Macchione.
Way to go, Kimberly.
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Family Weekend Honors
Students' Biggest Supporters
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Students' families were nominated and recognized recently at the WT Family Weekend Event. Mu Pi, mother of Aye Martinez, a junior education major from Amarillo was recognized at the family event. The students and their families had a full line up of fun activities to share together.
Thank you to all the families who were nominated and for the valuable support you give your students.
The complete WT news story.
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Bound-to-Happen
Scholastic Book Fair Success
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The Scholastic Book Fair came to West Texas A&M University with every purchase supporting WT’s Child Development Center.
Books for our children. Books for our grandchildren. Books because we love books. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Scholastic Book fair. The event was bound-to-be a huge success.
Additional appreciation to everyone who helped with the fair, including our very own Kenna Klameth, education major and student employee of the WT Child Development Center, and Heidi Brooks, Education Undergraduate Advisor. (Photo)
| | Active Student Organizations | | Criminal Justice Association (CJA) Hosted Special Speaker | | |
The Criminal Justice Association (CJA) was happy to welcome UPD Assistant Chief Kyle Hawbaker to speak at its meeting on September 17.
Assistant Chief Hawbaker joined UPD in 2003 and was kind enough to share his wisdom and experience as a veteran officer with the CJA.
Dr. Bang shared, "The CJA felt very fortunate to have him join us, as he sets a great example for students interested in careers in law enforcement and public safety. We are grateful for the time he spent with our students, for the insight he shared about his career, and for his leadership at UPD."
Thank you WT Assistant Chief Hawbaker.
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Kappa Delta Pi (KDP)
KDP, a national professional association and honor society for educators held their first Meet and Greet for education majors interested in finding out more about KDP. There was lots of pizza on hand and a terrific tour of the Geneva Schaeffer Building.
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KDP also participated in WT's Student Involvement Fair on October 6.
What a great opportunity to share with all WT students what KDP is all about. WT students also got a chance to do a "shout out" to their favorite teachers.
We have some awesome professors and it was a fun way to celebrate our teachers.
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Psych Club Sneak Peek Event
After spies broke in and stole the Spring 2027 schedule, the Psychology Program had no choice but to grant PSYC Club top secret clearance.
Many thanks to @wtpsychclub for organizing this sneak peek and giving our students a head start on 2027 spring course planning!
View more photos on Psych Club's Instagram page of the fun event.
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Department of Education Hosted
Amarillo College Education Students
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Department of Education was excited to host the Amarillo College Teach Club students.
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Approximately (40) AC students received a warm WT welcome with a campus tour that also included an academic eavesdrop session on Dr. Betty Coneway's education course, followed by a Wind Gone Wild Dust Bowl experience in "The Igloo," a 360-degree virtual reality lab located in the Geneva Schaeffer Education Building.
The immersive day ended with a Munch and Ask Much lunch and Q&A time for attendees.
Thank you to all the faculty and staff who made this a welcoming and informative WT experience for the Amarillo College education students.
We look forward to having you at WT.
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Career Services EXPO Connected
Students with Employers
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Over 100 businesses, organizations and service companies came out to talk to WT students during the Fall 2026 Career Services EXPO.
A small sample of those seeking to hire TBRCOESS students included:
- City administrative, sheriffs, police, and military departments from the larger Texas Panhandle area.
- Medical service providers seeking to hire social workers and psychology and counseling students.
- Businesses seeking students for PT employment and internship opportunities.
BIG thank you to the Career Services team for all their work on this big event. Connecting WT students and employers together in one place saves everyone time and resources.
Career Services also prepared students on "Dress to Impress, Plan Your Questions, and Find a Friend & Show Up Together."
Impressive, professional event that supports our student's employment opportunities. Thank you Career Services team.
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Sharing WT Career Path Options with
Prospective Students
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Connecting with Canyon ISD High School Seniors
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Drs. Bartlett and Pollart had a great time visiting with Canyon ISD seniors at the College Fair hosted at West Texas A&M University.
Dr. Bartlett shared, "It was a wonderful opportunity to meet students, answer questions, and share the many programs and opportunities available through the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences. We enjoyed hearing about students’ interests and future plans and helping them explore how those interests might turn into a college major and future career. We look forward to welcoming many of these students back to WT in the future."
Welcome to WT Canyon ISD students. We look forward to having you here.
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WT at Amarillo Collegiate Academy College EXPO
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Dr. Kristy Bartlett and Nydia Olmos represented the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences at Amarillo Collegiate Academy’s College, Career & Military Expo on October 1. The event provided an opportunity to connect with students and share information about WT, the College’s academic programs, and how exploring their interests can translate into future majors and fulfilling professional careers.
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Amarillo Collegiate Academy serves approximately 500 K–12 students, including about 140 high school students, many of whom are already taking college courses through Amarillo College and/or WTAMU.
A welcoming WT is a great pathway forward in your education.
| | Graduate and Professional School Fair Connected with Students Interested in Advancing Their Education. | | |
"Why should I pursue a master's or doctoral degree?"
Dr. Kristy Bartlett represented the master's and doctoral programs available through the Terry B. Rogers College at the Graduate Career and Professional School Fair.
Pursuing a graduate degree, such as a master's, specialist, or doctoral degree can; meet licensure required qualifications in certain fields; provide additional knowledge over other job candidates; as well as provide higher earning potential.
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Dr. Krista Favela was available at the Graduate Career and Professional School Fair to talk to students interested in a Master in Education, Instructional Design and Technology program.
The Instructional Technology and Design Program prepares innovative, skilled, and reflective professionals who lead the integration of technology and instructional design to transform teaching and learning. Students develop advanced expertise in designing engaging, accessible, and research-informed learning experiences across K–12, higher education, corporate, and professional environments.
View more information on all graduate programs available through the College.
| | Mozola Faculty Excellence Award | | |
Dr. Coneway, department head for education, was pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Liz and John Mozola Faculty Excellence Award. Please join me in congratulating these faculty members:
This award, generously endowed by the Mozola Family, celebrates faculty members whose exceptional teaching and heartfelt dedication to preparing our undergraduate students inspire and transform the future educators they mentor.
Please join us in celebrating the outstanding achievements of this year’s honorees.
View the WT news story.
| | Hatton Professorship Supports Dr. Hwang's Research at River Road ISD | | |
Thanks to the Lanna and Bob Hatton Professorship, Dr. Sang Hwang was able to attend a national conference in Orlando, Florida. She had an unforgettable opportunity to learn about AI-integrated tools and their potential to enhance children's early literacy development.
As a result, Dr. Hwang is now conducting a research study focusing on the use of AI to support Emergent Bilingual students at Willow Vista Early Child Academy in River Road ISD.
Photo shows the AI research team including student employee Samantha Escalante, Willow Vista Academy Principal, and Dr. Hwang.
| | Dr. and Mrs. Rausch Presented Research on Voter Turnout at APSA | | |
Dr. Dave Rausch, Bivins Professor of Political Science, and Mary Scanlon Rausch, Cornette Library Resources and Metadata Management Librarian, recently presented research at the annual meeting of the American Political Science Association (APSA) in Boston, Massachusetts.
Their paper "Voter Turnout in Texas Constitutional Amendment Elections Across Five Decades" examines the low voter turnout that occurs with the elections held almost every November in odd-numbered years.
The paper is available at the APSA website: https://doi.org/10.33774/apsa-2026-tvbb5
Photo of Dr. and Mrs. Rausch with Bunker Hill in the background.
Special thanks to the Bivins Professor of Political Science Professorship
| | Voting is Our Right and Responsibility | | Dr. Bang Reappointed as President of the Faculty Advisory Council | | |
Dr. Brandon Bang has been appointed by Interim President Terry to serve a second year as President of the Faculty Advisory Council.
The Faculty Advisory Council is the representative body of the faculty at WT. More information about the Council, including live streams and recordings of its meetings, is available at the link here.
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Dr. Brandon Bang Goes On Air with "The One" KWTS
Dr. Bang recently had the opportunity to record a radio sweep in support of WT’s student-run radio station, KWTS “The One” 91.1 FM. Tune in to hear him on the air!
Thank you, Dr. Bang, for your involvement.
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Ms. Meagan Price, LCSW, Instructor of Social Work
Ms. Meagan Price joined the College of Education and Social Sciences in 2026. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree from West Texas A&M University in 2013 and her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Texas at Arlington in 2017. Meagan was licensed in Texas as a LMSW in 2018 and an LCSW in 2023.
Instructor Price teaches bachelor level courses and is the Field Director for the undergraduate program.
As a social worker, she has worked at Child Protective Services, CASA, Northwest Texas Hospital Pavilion, Jan Werner Adult Day Care, and the VA hospital. Meagan also works as a private practice therapist.
Welcome instructor Price.
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Happy October Birthday
Melissa Henderson
Jennifer Denham
Penny Pollart
Photo credit: Dr. Ashley Campbell
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Students, are you poised to graduate spring (May) 2027? You need to apply for graduation now.
Deadline is December 1, 2026.
Link to APPLY for graduation.
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Click here for Fall 2026 Academic Affairs calendar
Oct. 17: Discover WT (Admissions Event)
Oct. 19-24: Alumni Homecoming Week and Game
Nov. 7: Sat. TAFE Conference; WT Legacy & Rooms (Education Dept.)
Nov. 11: WT Veterans Day Ceremony
Nov. 11: Let's 'Taco-Bout' Psychology Session
Nov. 17: TBRCOESS Coats & Cocoa; Legacy
Nov. 26-27: WT Closed. Thanksgiving Holiday
Dec. 2-3: FA26 Last Class Day & Dead Day
Dec. 3-10 FA26 Finals
Dec. 11: FA26 ANS, NHS Commencement Ceremony
Dec. 12: FA26 TBRCOESS Graduation Commencement Ceremony at 10:00 am
Dec. 24-Jan.1: WT Closed for Holiday
March 4: WT Faculty and Student Research Fair & Poster Session
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