Wildlife Biology Enrollment Rises Amid 50^th Anniversary

This semester marks the 50th anniversary of the Wildlife Biology program.

The Wildlife Biology program is in the Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences and began in 1975.

Dr. Ray Matlack, Professor of Biology, started teaching at WTAMU in 2002, and during Dr. Matlack's 23 years at WTAMU, the Wildlife Biology program has grown extensively.

In 2002, the Wildlife Biology program consisted of 22 students. Today we celebrate the highest enrollment to date, totaling 103 students.

In addition, 12 of the 27 Science Representatives are majoring in Wildlife Biology.

Dr. Matlack explained that the increase of hands-on experience, the student involvement in the Wildlife Society, and the official name change that occurred in 2004, which changed the major from Biology-Wildlife Sciences to Wildlife Biology, has all contributed to the success of the program.

"The key to the growth of the program was getting our students out of the classroom and laboratory and into the field," Dr. Matlack said. "Students were provided with opportunities to be involved in local research projects and field trips were built into many of our courses."

The addition of faculty has added to the continued growth of the program, Drs. Dylan Maag and Joshua Brown, have played a large role in the success of the program.

With the continued rise of faculty and students, the future is bright as we celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Wildlife Biology program.

Study Abroad: Ag in Australia

Students and faculty from the Department of Agricultural Sciences are currently on a study abroad trip to Australia.

The study abroad trip started on Nov. 13 and will continue through Dec. 1.

The group consists of over 20 students, Dr. Bridget Guerrero, Professor of Agricultural Business and Economics, and Dr. Mallory Vestal, Assistant Department Head and Associate Professor of Agricultural Business and Economics.

So far, the Buffs have traveled throughout Queensland, Australia, visiting Rockhampton, Brisbane and Moreton Island.

Throughout this trip, students and faculty attended local farm tours and meat processing plants, as well as visiting livestock research facilities at Central Queensland University.

Wildlife Society Invites Guest Speaker

The Wildlife Society hosted guest speaker, Mr. Hunter Hopkins, during their last meeting of the semester that was held on Nov. 14.

Hopkins is a Wildlife Management Area Biologist and Natural Resources Specialist for Texas Parks & Wildlife.

"Mr. Hopkins gave us insights about his primary job as a habitat specialist," said Wildlife Biology major, Shefin Singh. "The extent to which they use axe, cows, plows, fire, and guns as tools in managing and restoring habitats, and highlighted opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience through volunteering and internships. We’re grateful for the chance to learn from someone actively shaping wildlife management in the Great Plains."

Equestrian Western Team Finishes Semester Undefeated

The WT Equestrian Western Team finished the season undefeated as they competed in the last show of the semester on Nov. 22-23.

This show was hosted by the WT Equestrian Team and held at the WT Horse Center, located north of campus.

WT earned High Point Team titles both days of the show, as well as top individual titles. Senior Animal Science major, Peyton Podmolik, was named High Point Rider on Nov. 22 and senior Animal Science major Helene Keiser and senior Equine Industry and Business major, Ashton Hollingsworth, tied for High Point Rider on Nov. 23.

Senior Animal Science major, Miranda Whitten qualified to compete at the regional championship that will take place next spring.

Individual Results

Peyton Podmolik - 1^st in Reining and 1^st in Open Horsemanship

Helene Keiser - 1^st in Reining and 1^st in Open Horsemanship

Ashton Hollingsworth - 1^st in Level 2 Ranch Riding and 1^st in Level 2 Horsemanship

Marina Carroll - 1^st in Level 2 Ranch Riding

Isla Anderson - 1^st in Level 1 Horsemanship

Jenna Arens - 1^stin Rookie

Elizabeth Ross - 1^st in Rookie

Myleigh Lindsey - 1^st in Rookie

Madalynn Schmidt - 1^st in Beginner

Camryn Barton - 1^st in Beginner

Congratulations to the WT Equestrian Western Team!

Horse Judging Team Earns Reserve Championship Title

The WT Horse Judging Team earned the Reserve Championship title at the 7th annual National Cutting Horse Association Judging Contest.

This contest was held at the Will Rogers Memorial Complex in Fort Worth on Nov. 21.

The NCHA Judging Contest was jointly hosted by Holy Cow Performance Horses and the 2024 NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity.

WT competed against five other collegiate teams and had many individual placings in the top ten.

"We are incredibly proud that four of our students earned a spot in the top ten and had the rare opportunity to judge a set of live horses on the arena dirt," said Horse Judging Coach, Dr. Christy Adams. "Experiences like this are what shape great horsemen and future leaders in our industry.”

Overall Individual Results

Madilynn Campbell - 2^nd

Ethan Hendrix - 5^th

Nathan Allison - 7^th

Kurtlee Smith - 9^th

Saul Flores - 16^th