Growth is paramount to higher education as it fosters the shaping and developing of well-rounded professionals. Academic growth lays the foundation for knowledge in various fields. Personal growth allows for students and faculty to navigate challenges. Ultimately, growth represents a stepping stone that serves as an enhancer to students and faculty, enriching their knowledge personally and professionally. | |
The first New Student Orientation (NSO) was recently held on May 30-31. NSOs are required for all incoming freshmen. NSOs serve as an opportunity for students to register for fall courses, start navigating the logistics associated with college, and ask any questions before their arrival on campus. Our college had the pleasure of hosting 65 students during this first NSO, more than any other college on campus! | |
The Department of Agricultural Sciences was represented at the National Conference of American Association for Agricultural Education in Manhattan, Kansas on May 20-23. Those attending were Dr. Kevin Williams, Richard & Mary West Traylor Professor of Agriculture Education, Mrs. Paighton Gouldy, Instructor & Department Student Success and Industry Coordinator, Ms. McKinley Begert, M.S. Agriculture, and Ms. Lindsey Lankford, M.S. Agriculture. At the conference, they presented research on student internships at WT along with an assessment of experiential learning opportunities sponsored by the CHS Foundation. They also participated in professional development sessions covering artificial intelligence and workforce development. | |
June is full of culinary delights and environmental awareness. It is no surprise that June is National Steak month as it is the perfect weather to heat up the grill! Amidst the sizzling of steaks, June also honors the dairy industry, recognizing its contribution to nutrition and of course ICE CREAM! Beyond the table, June 5th recognizes World Environment Day, a day to inspire action in protecting our planet. While we relish in delicious steaks and all things dairy, let us reflect on the environment that sustains these essentials. | National Beef Steak Month | |
|
For more information about beef production in the Panhandle, visit
https://animal-world.com/how-many-cows-are-in-texas/
| |
|
June 5, 2024
"When the well is dry, we know the worth of water."
-Benjamin Franklin
| |
|
World Environment Day is the biggest international day for the environment. This year, the theme focuses on restoration of the land, desertification, and drought resilience.
"Texas primarily relies on groundwater to meet our water demands. The Ogallala Aquifer is the largest in the USA. It is an incredible resource the is critical for our regional economy and we must continue to work to slow the rate of decline to ensure we have sufficient water supply for future generations," Dr. Erik Crosman, assistant department head and assistant professor of environmental science said.
| | |
|
|
WTAMU had three different operating dairies since the university's start in 1910. In 1993, the final dairy on campus closed. However, the use of this building would continue on.
The dairy building has been utilized as a surgical room for Pre-Vet Sciences, a facility to raise poultry for contests, a t-shirt printing facility for agriculture media and communications, and much more.
| |
AGRI 3308, Outdoor Photography, held in the May Intersession, is an intensive three-week course that focuses on photography basics and outdoor subjects. Students this semester were able to attend a branding, visit a working ranch, and visit various locations in the Canyon/Amarillo area. These photos were captured by agricultural media and communication majors. | |
Buffs Growing into New Positions | |
|
Lauren Ward was recently promoted to Administrative Coordinator II in the Department of Agricultural Sciences. Lauren graduated from WTAMU with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Media and Communication in 2018. Upon graduation, she served in a variety of administrative roles with the American Quarter Horse Association, Expo Digital Marketing, and Triangle Realty. Lauren returned to WT Agriculture as a full-time Administrative Associate in June of 2021. Lauren and her husband, Seth, and their son, Holden, live in Canyon.
"We are excited to have Lauren Ward in this new position. Lauren is calmy efficient and is unfazed by any responsibility. Just as important, she truly has a heart for helping others. She is a valued member of our Ag team," Dr. David Lust, department head said.
| |  |
Brooklyn Spencer grew up on a cow/calf operation in the small peach town of Porter, Oklahoma. Throughout high school and junior college, Brooklyn was involved in meats judging, which allowed her to spend time on WTAMU's campus. This played an integral role in her decision when choosing a school to continue her education. Brooklyn is a senior agricultural media and communication major and will be graduating this fall with plans to attend graduate school. Brooklyn will be interning in the Dean's Office this summer and will be the voice behind the Buff Brief. "We are so pleased to have Brooklyn join our team for the summer. Her skill set coupled with her positive attitude has brought a new enthusiasm to our office," Dr. Lance Kieth, Couch Family Professor of Extension Education and Associate Dean of External Relations and Recruiting said. | |
A Moment with Mrs. Bachman | |
|
The Agricultural Sciences Department has had multiple times in the last thirty years where growth in student numbers was planned. In 1994, the state legislature provided new funding lines to add faculty with the intent of increasing student numbers. The 1994 student enrollment of 372 grew to 838 in 2018 (19.4 students per year). The new Ag Complex was completed in 2018 and another investment by the legislature resulted in growth to 1,130 students by fall 2023 (58 students per year). This year, we had another infusion of funds from the legislature and expectation is to have over 1,500 students by 2028.
The first stimulus provided for some growth, but sustained and increasing growth comes from funding enhancements as new growth occurs. The current growth has been paid for in advance and will occur because the growth plan was intentional with appropriate funding. Remember this concept as you build companies or plan for growth in anything you do! Without a plan and proper resources, growth can actually be detrimental.
| |
Editor: Brooklyn Spencer
If you have any suggestions, comments, or content ideas, please email bspencer@wtamu.edu or buffbrief@wtamu.edu
| |
| | | |
