Welcome New Ag Ambassadors

The Ag Ambassador team has recently welcomed 17 new Ag Ambassadors that will start their roles next Fall semester. The Ag Ambassador team is now made up of 24 students who will serve the Department of Agricultural Sciences through helping at events, giving tours to potential students and through recruiting efforts.


Name: Emily Montgomery


Major: Agricultural Education


Hometown: Lubbock, TX


What are you involved with on campus: "I am a WT Herdsmen, President of Kappa Delta Pi, member of Collegiate FFA, Fall Gather Fundraising/ Public Relations Committee, Agricultural Education Student Worker and now an Ag Ambassador."

Name: Ryon Howell


Major: Plant, Soil and Environmental Science


Hometown: Elida, NM

 


What does WT AG mean to you: "WT AG is a home away from home. The people, professors, and colleagues all have the same values and beliefs as what I have been raised around. Coming from a super rural town I was little nervous coming to WT, but it has definitely been one of God’s greatest blessings in my life."

Name: Shaylee Gee


Major: Agricultural Business and Economics


Hometown: Peyton, CO



What are you looking forward to as an Ag Ambassador? "I am excited to get to know the other Ag Ambassadors and network more with professionals in the Ag industry. I am also excited to promote our Ag Department because it has been a major part of my college experience here at WT."

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: Michaela Bueno 


Major: Wildlife Biology



Hometown: El Paso, TX


What your plans after college?

"I am planning to hopefully graduate a semester early and start an internship in wildlife rehabilitation."

Name: Landry Masur


Major: Wildlife Biology



Hometown:  Red Rock, TX


What does being a Science Representative mean to you?

"It is an honor to be chosen as a Science Representative for West Texas A&M University. I am passionate about wildlife biology and eager to share my experiences and knowledge with those who I meet and talk with over the course of the next year. I will represent my degree field, share information with prospective students, and encourage them to explore science. As a Science Representative, this position will allow me to share my passion for wildlife biology with others."

Name: Ember Hines


Major: Wildlife Biology


Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO


What are you involved with on campus?

"Outside of classes, I am a student assistant to Dr. Carla Eichler in the geology department. I help clean, catalog, and curate our large collection of geologic samples and specimens. It’s an insanely cool behind-the-scenes role that I love."

Dr. Tommy Perkins Speaks at Feicorte Beef Event

Associate Professor of Animal Science, Dr. Tommy Perkins recently traveled to São Paulo, Brazil as a speaker at the Feicorte Beef Event.


This event included presentations on recent innovations, breed exhibitions, and discussion forums.


30 guest speakers from around the world, consisting of breeders, producers, CEO's, professors, meat scientists and veterinarians spoke at this event.



Dr. Perkins spoke about the impact of ultrasound technology use on the improvement of beef quality grades in the United States.


 "I am grateful to be asked to speak at the Feicorte Beef event,"

Dr. Perkins said. "They have done a tremendous job of increasing marbling values in their own cattle using ultrasound technologies."

Equestrian Team Organizes

Summer Camp

Each week throughout the month of July, The WT Equestrian Team organizes camps for ages 8-14 years old.


These camps include the Beginner Camp for attendees with no to minimal horse experience. As well as an Adventure Camp for youth to learn how to navigate natural obstacles that they might see

while trail riding.


In addition, next week the Equestrian Team will be organizing their Show Camp that is geared toward helping more advanced campers develop their show skills.


"Camp is one of my favorite things about summer," Head Coach of Equestrian Team, Tabatha Taylor said. "The horses appreciate the change in pace too. They greet the campers at the gate every morning and beg to come inside. It is a good time had by all."

Buff Attend NASAS Annual Meeting


Buffs traveled to Hollywood, FL to attend the National American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting, held July 6-10.


WTAMU representatives included Professor of Animal Science, Dr. Ty Lawrence, Assistant Professor of Animal Science, Dr. Trent Schwartz, and graduate students Macy Lawrence, Ambri Harrigal, and

Megan Eckhardt.


Each of the graduate students presented an oral presentation in the session of animal health over portions of their thesis or dissertation chapters, with Megan Eckhardt placing second in the PhD poster competition.

WT AG Recruits at NHSRA

College Fair

Head Rodeo Coach, Cody Bonds and Assistant Rodeo Coach, Paige Brandon traveled to Rock Springs, WY, to recruit at the National High School Rodeo Association Finals. 


Mr. Bonds and Ms. Brandon also took part in the NHSRA College Fair, where they met with students from multiple countries, including Mexico and Canada. 



Two signed members of the Rodeo Team that will be incoming freshman this Fall were also at the NHSRAF competing for the world title: Ransom Tiffany and Heath Harkins. 

Texas 4-H Ambassador Short Course

The Texas 4-H Ambassador Short Course for Texas Youth Livestock & Agriculture visited WTAMU last week.


At their time at WT, Ambassadors learned about live animal evaluation, harvesting and fabrication, as well as professionalism at an etiquette dinner taught by Associate Dean of the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Dr. Lance Kieth.


Ambassadors also enjoyed the local scenery and visited Palo Duro Canyon.


Brahman Foundation 2025 Summer Leadership Camp Held at WT

The Brahman Foundation hosted their Annual Summer Leadership Camp at West Texas A&M University on July 20-24.


This camp provided tours of Nance Ranch to learn about ultrasound technology with Associate Professor of Animal Science, Dr. Tommy Perkins; a tour WTAMU Feedlot with Associate Professor of Animal Science, Dr. Kendall Samuelson, to learn about feedlot management. Additionally, Assistant Professor of Animal Science, Dr. Loni Lucherk, led a presentation about meat science, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Agriculture, Dr. Kelly Jones led an etiquette dinner for camp attendees.

Faculty Focus | Dr. Stephen Karaganis


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