Dr. Kevin Pond's Advice to Students on the First Day of Classes

College Hosts Faculty and Staff Welcome Back Breakfast

Faculty and staff from the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences met in the Jack B. Kelley Student Center on Aug. 18 to prepare for the upcoming semester.

During the Welcome Back Breakfast, new faculty were introduced and various updates and announcements were made.

WTAMU Welcomes Newest Addition: Thunder XVI

The Herdsmen are excited to welcome the newest University mascot, Thunder XVI.

Thunder XVI, or "Sally," is 4 months old and was born on a ranch in Holdenburg, OK.

This summer, Sally kicked off her time as mascot by attending community events, summer camps, and WT New Student Orientations

"So far Sally is the friendliest bison calf that we have had," said Dr. Kelly Jones, Herdsmen advisor. "She is very excited to see us and is transitioning well to taking lots of pictures with the public when the Herdsmen are out and about."

Spicer Gripp Memorial Youth Foundation Presents Gifts to

WT Rodeo and WT AG

The Spicer Gripp Memorial Roping was started in 1994 in memory of Hereford, TX native and Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame Inductee, Spicer Gripp, whose legacy for helping local youth has led to the funding of scholarships for WTAMU students.

This year, the annual Spicer Gripp Memorial Roping took place in Hereford from July 31-August 3.

Proceeds from the event, together with the generous gifts from friends and family of Spicer Gripp, fund the Spicer Gripp Memorial Scholarship Funds at West Texas A&M University. Specifically, these endowments provide scholarships to students pursuing degrees in Agriculture Sciences or participating on the WTAMU Rodeo Team.

“The Spicer Gripp Memorial Youth Foundation isn't just a supporter of WT Rodeo---they're family,” said Mr. Cody Bonds, WT Head Rodeo Coach. "This long-standing partnership has shaped our program, our community and our students, and we are profoundly grateful for their heart for youth, rodeo, and WT."

35 students from the WT Rodeo Team helped at this year's Spicer Gripp Memorial Roping. Two members, Bella Ayers, senior Agricultural Media & Communication major, and Tyson Gresham, junior Agriculture major, were named Top Hands. This honor is awarded each year to the hardest-working members of the WT Rodeo Team during the 4-day event.

Texas Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals Tour WTAMU

The Texas Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals held their 2025 State Conference in Amarillo from

Aug. 4-7.

During the Conference, County Extension Agents, Specialists, and Extension Administrators from across the state had the opportunity to tour the Happy State Bank Academic and Research Building and the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) Veterinary Education, Research, and Outreach (VERO) facilities.

Dr. Lance Kieth, Associate Dean of the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, was a keynote speaker at the conference and conducted a personality profile assessment with attendees.

WTAMU Professor Travels to Italy to Present Research

Assistant Professor of Physics, Dr. Keshav Shrestha, recently presented his research at the Joint ICTP-WE Heraeus School and Workshop on Advances in Quantum Matter in Trieste, Italy.

This workshop was hosted by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics and the foundation Wilhelm Und Else Heraeus-Stiftung.

Agricultural Ambassadors Participate in Yearly Retreat

The 2025-2026 Ag Ambassador team held their Fall Retreat on Aug 15-16.

This retreat gives Ag Ambassadors the opportunity to build camaraderie, grow professionally, and learn how to better serve their fellow students and the Department of Agricultural Sciences.

On Friday, Clinical Assistant Professor of Agriculture, Dr. Kelly Jones, spoke to the group about servant leadership. The following day, the Ag Ambassadors learned expectations for the upcoming year and participated in a community service project; making tie blankets for The Rainbow Room, which provides items to Child Protective Services workers to distribute to children.