Pond's Ponder

Good thought leaders think outside of the box. Great thought leaders don’t know there is a box.

Outstanding Ag Educator

Dr. Lance Kieth, Associate Dean of the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences and Couch Family Professor of Extension Education, was recognized as Outstanding Ag Educator at the inaugural Western Legacy Awards, presented by the Tri-State Fair & Rodeo.

The Western Legacy Awards, held on March 1, is an expansion of the Tri-State Fair & Rodeo Western Heritage Hall of Fame, which has honored industry leaders since 1996. This year’s event celebrated Dr. Kieth and four additional community members for their significant contributions to agriculture and the western way of life—all while raising funds for the Amarillo Tri-State Exposition Scholarship Fund. 

Natural Sciences Advisory Board Meeting

On February 25, the Natural Sciences Advisory Board convened to review updates from the College, the Department of Chemistry & Physics, and the Department of Life, Earth & Environmental Sciences. The meeting included presentations on recruiting strategies and planned fundraising efforts for the coming spring and summer.

Members include David Prescott, President of Talon Industries; Ottis Scrivner, Process Engineer at Pantex; Richard Smith, WTAMU Assistant Vice President for Ethics, Risk, Research & Compliance; Brandon Conrad, Regional Manager of DPS Crime Labs; Heidi Gruner, Environmental Analyst at Xcel Energy; Dr. Kevin King, DDS, Dental Group of Amarillo; Dr. Andy Hoot, MD, Amarillo Pathology Group; Dr. Lauren Salazar-Golderos, OD, Advanced Eye Care; Dr. Leah Lee, DVM, Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine; Kevin Jeanes, Health, Safety and Environmental Director, Valero; Zach McMeans, Palo Duro State Park Assistant Superintendent; and Rachel Goehring, Secondary Teacher at AMTEC.

Also in attendance were Dr. Kevin Pond, Dean; Dr. Lance Kieth, Associate Dean; Dr. Jason Yarbrough, Department Head and Ross W. Wilson Endowed Chair in Chemistry; and Dr. Eric Crosman, Assistant Department Head and Professor of Environmental Science.



The College is excited about anticipated developments in both departments, and is looking forward to the continued contributions of the Natural Sciences Advisory Board. 

WTAMU Ranch Horse Team Clinic

The WTAMU Ranch Horse Team hosted their second annual Stock Horse of Texas-sanctioned clinic at the WTAMU Horse Center. Fourteen attendees participated in the clinic, receiving guidance from 15 Ranch Horse Team members, along with Dr. Lance Baker, Professor of Animal Science, and Sidney Dunkel, Instructor of Animal Science.

The clinic focused on two of the four events in which the team competes: ranch trail and ranch pleasure. A Lunch & Learn session allowed attendees to gain valuable insights from Dunkel and Baker, who shared their perspectives on judging these events.

Ag on the Road

On February 26, Ag on the Road brought together 67 alumni, friends, supporters, and high school students from Dumas and Stinnett at an event in Dumas, Texas. The event was made possible thanks to a generous meal donation by Harold Grall ‘79, a current WT master’s student.

WTAMU attendees included Dr. Lance Kieth; Paighton Gouldy, Student Success and Industry Coordinator; McKinley Begert, graduate assistant; and Campbell Offield, graduate assistant. Ronnie Hall and Abby Waters represented the WT Alumni Association. Ag Development Association members Gary Culp, Terry Wright and Rex Brandon joined the event.



The event featured updates on the University, the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, the Alumni Association, and the Ag Development Association. The College extends a special thank you to Texas AgriLife Extension Agents from Moore, Hutcheson, and Sherman counties for their support.

16th Consecutive Regional Champion Team 

The WTAMU Equestrian Team concluded a successful season by securing the regional championship title for a 16^th consecutive time. Team member Helene Keiser was named High Point Rider of the region. 

More Meat Science Success! 

The WTAMU Meat Judging Team had a standout performance at the Caviness South Plains Meat Judging Contest in Hereford, TX on February 22.

Team Results:

• 1st in Specifications
• 3rd in Placings and Pork Judging
• 4th Overall, Beef Judging, Lamb Judging and Reasons
• 5th Beef Grading

Individual Results:

• Ryan Stricker: 6th High Individual Overall, 2nd Beef Grading
• Jozie Petit: 1st Pork judging, 5th Reasons
• Kale Benton: 4th Beef Judging, 4th Specifications
• Kaslyn Moczygemba: 8th High Individual Alternate
• Cooper Coffelt, Ellie Swain, Sterling Berry: Perfect score in Specifications

Additional team members: Spencer Walahoski, Lyndsey Pancost and Morgan Thorn.

The team is coached by Dr. Loni Lucherk and graduate students Megan Eckhardt, Shelton Luedke and Ryan Heitschmidt. The awards banquet was generously catered by the WTAMU Wool Judging Team.

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