Introducing the 2026-2027 WTAMU Herdsmen

The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences is proud to introduce the 2026-2027 WTAMU Herdsmen.


The Herdsmen Team members were thoughtfully selected through a nomination process by a WTAMU faculty or staff member, followed by an extensive written application and formal interview. The 13 men and women selected represent the true spirit of a WTAMU Buffalo and will help carry the spirit and traditions of West Texas throughout the year.


The Herdsmen are entrusted with overseeing the care of WTAMU's beloved Buffaloes, Thunder XV and Thunder XVI. The College is proud to have these students represent the University and carry on this important tradition.


2026-2027 Herdsmen:

  • Boone Begert, a senior Agriculture major from Allison, TX
  • Jozie Petit, a senior Agriculture Media and Communication major from Sulphur Springs, TX
  • Jayden Vititow, a senior Animal Science/PVET major from Decatur, TX
  • Cayden Hodnett, a senior Agriculture Education major from Lubbock, TX
  • Claudia Tepper, a junior Agriculture major from Lubbock, TX
  • Eli Hicks, a junior Electrical Engineering major from Lubbock, TX
  • Jenna Arens, a junior Accounting major from Shawano, WI
  • Calvin Autrey, a junior Agricultural Business major from Willard, NM
  • Jacque Ghormley, a senior Animal Science major from Rockwall, TX
  • Christian Davalos, a sophomore Animal Science major from Pampa, TX
  • Kash Krueger, a sophomore Agriculture major from Bellville, TX
  • Shirley Jo Thompson, a sophomore Equine Industry and Business major from Limon, CO
  • Taylor Goin, a junior Animal Science/PVET major from Valley View, TX


Graduate assistants serving with the Herdsmen include Emily Montgomery, a master's student in Agriculture with an Education emphasis from Shallowater, TX, and Will Hauerland, a master's student in Animal Science from Sealy, TX.


The Herdsmen are advised by Dr. Kelly Jones.


Throughout the year, the Herdsmen will represent WTAMU at campus and community events and help keep the spirit of West Texas alive.

Dr. Christy Petry-Adams Named to Texas 4-H "4 Under 40"

Dr. Christy Petry-Adams has been recognized as one of the 2026 Texas 4-H “4 Under 40” honorees, an award recognizing Texas 4-H alumni who exemplify the organization’s motto, “To Make the Best Better.”


Dr. Adams embodies this motto through her continued commitment to developing knowledgeable, confident and service-minded young people within the horse industry. Through her knowledge, patience and encouragement, she has helped instill confidence in her students while inspiring them to pursue excellence.


Her dedication to education, mentorship and the horse industry reflects the values of 4-H and its mission to make the best even better.


Congratulations to Dr. Adams on this well-deserved recognition!

Back-to-School Extravaganza Kicks Off Fall Semester

The Back-to-School Extravaganza was hosted by the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at the Vernon Harman Courtyard within the Agricultural Sciences Complex. More than 700 students, faculty and staff attended the annual event to celebrate the beginning of a new school year.


Students enjoyed tacos and ice cream while exploring more than 30 clubs, teams and student organizations. A total of 1,740 tacos were served, while the Dairy Club distributed ice cream provided by Dairy MAX. Attendees also had the opportunity to brand a cedar board with their graduation year, stamp their own leather coaster, play cornhole and connect with fellow members of the College community.

Buffalo Brigade Connects Natural Sciences Freshmen

The College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences is excited to welcome freshmen through Buff Brigade, a new college-wide program designed to help students connect, get involved and build a sense of community during their first year at West Texas A&M University.


While Buff Brigade is operated at the departmental level, the Department of Natural Sciences is creating opportunities specifically for its freshmen to connect with fellow students, participate in service opportunities, enjoy events and activities, and become an active part of the Natural Sciences community.


Throughout the year, Natural Sciences freshmen will have opportunities to build friendships, give back to campus and the community, attend events and activities, and learn more about ways to get involved within the department.


Students who participate in Buff Brigade events will also earn entries into an end-of-year drawing, with two lucky freshmen receiving an exclusive Natural Sciences swag basket.


With opportunities to connect, serve, have fun and get involved, Buff Brigade is designed to help Natural Sciences freshmen make the most of their first year and become part of the WTAMU community.

Chemistry and Physics Help Lab Open House Welcomes Students

The Chemistry and Physics Help Lab recently welcomed students to its Open House, giving them an opportunity to explore the resources and support available throughout the semester.


Students who attended enjoyed free food and merchandise while meeting the Help Lab's tutors and learning more about the free tutoring available for 1000- and 2000-level chemistry and physics courses.


The Help Lab provides tutoring support with homework, class materials and other course-related questions, along with access to textbooks, formula sheets, calculators and study materials. Students can also enjoy coffee and popcorn while studying.


The Chemistry and Physics Help Lab is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in NSB 113.

#ICYMI

In Case You Missed It

WT Physics Students Publish Research in Prestigious Journal

Connect with COANS!

Facebook  Instagram  Web  LinkedIn

Buff Brief | buffbrief@wtamu.edu | (806) 651- 3570