West Texas A&M NewsWire

University Names Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

June 11, 2013

COPY BY: Rana McDonald, 806-651-2129, rmcdonald@wtamu.edu

University Names Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer

CANYON, Texas—University President J. Patrick O’Brien is pleased to name Dr. Rosemary Gray as chief diversity and inclusion officer at West Texas A&M University. She will begin her new duties Aug. 1.

Gray is filling a newly created position that focuses on all diversity and inclusion efforts at WTAMU. She will develop and coordinate a diversity and inclusion strategic plan and work with each of the University’s five colleges and Graduate School as well as departments, groups and offices to introduce and put the plan into practice across campus. She also will work to promote and increase diversity and inclusion through campus collaborations to support recruitment and retention of under-served and underrepresented students as well as helping with efforts to build a diverse faculty and staff.

“I am both honored and extremely elated to have been selected as the chief diversity and inclusion officer at West Texas A&M University,” Gray said. “I look forward to collaborating on diversity and inclusion with students, faculty, staff, alums and other constituents at the University. We all have a role in creating a welcoming, respectful and collaborative University as we grow together and move beyond compliance to diversity and inclusion. I want to assist in creating a win-win situation for all qualified students, faculty and staff who want to study, live and work at West Texas A&M University.”

Gray brings a wealth of experience to the job with more than 30 years in higher education as an administrator and educator. Her previous positions have all been tied to diversity and inclusion, and she’s built a reputation as a leader in these areas as both a presenter and a consultant at workshops, conferences and seminars across the United States.

“I was privileged to serve on the search committee for the selection of diversity officer and in my opinion, Dr. Rosemary Gray is well qualified for this position,” Myrna Raffkind, instructor emerita of psychology/sociology, said. “She was well prepared for the interview and familiar with WTAMU’s strategic plan. She is knowledgeable of the law, socially skilled, articulate and enjoys learning. When asked what traits she believed were most important for the diversity officer to possess, her answer was ‘to be a good listener.’ She demonstrated this listening skill as she visited with students, faculty and staff. I look forward to working with her.”

In her previous position as equity and diversity officer/Title VI coordinator at the University of Tennessee at Martin, Gray served as the EEO officer, Title VI and Title IX coordinator and ADA coordinator. That experience gives her extensive background for collaboration with similar offices at WTAMU on diversity and inclusion issues relating to students, faculty and staff. From 2004-2011 Gray served as vice president of special services and equity at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La., where she was a training resource for faculty, staff and students on diversity planning. She also received and resolved discrimination complaints and supervised the employment process for all employees.

At Radford University in Radford, Va., Gray served as the assistant director of human resources/social equity officer. She also held the position of equity and diversity officer at the University of Scranton, in Scranton, Pa. Other positions throughout her career include associate dean of students for campus activities (1998-99), director of human resources development and intercultural affairs (1997-1998) and director of human resources, institutional research and intercultural affairs (1994-1997) at Emory and Henry College in Emory, Va. Between 1969-1994, Gray taught at various public schools, community colleges and universities in Washington, D.C., Tennessee and Virginia.

Gray earned an associate degree in liberal arts from Morristown College and a bachelor’s degree in English from Emory and Henry College. She received a master’s degree in education from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and an Ed.D. in educational leadership and policy analysis in 1997 from East Tennessee State University.

“We are excited to have Dr. Gray join the WT family in this new position,” WTAMU President J. Patrick O’Brien said. “Her expertise makes her the ideal person to implement a plan that will create a diverse and inclusive environment for our campus.”

Gray has one son, William Samuel Bundy II, who is in the process of joining the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District in Houston as an educator and leader.

—WTAMU—

Buffalo Advertising Ranks in Top 10 at Nationals

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

June 11, 2013

COPY BY: Rana McDonald, 806-651-2129, rmcdonald@wtamu.edu

Buffalo Advertising Ranks in Top 10 at Nationals

CANYON, Texas—Buffalo Advertising, West Texas A&M University’s competitive advertising team, received a top-10 national ranking at the National Student Advertising Competition June 5-8 in Phoenix, Ariz. The team placed eighth out of almost 200 teams from across the nation, putting WTAMU ahead of 12 top-tier schools such as Purdue University, BYU and the University of Minnesota.

The national competition requires AAF college chapter members to develop a 20-page marketing campaign and 20-minute presentation in response to a case study co-authored by Glidden paint and the AAF Academic Division. This year’s case study challenged students to increase awareness and consideration of the Glidden paint brands within Walmart stores across the nation. The judges for this year’s competition were all marketing managers for PPG/Glidden, the client company in Pittsburg, Pa.

“We could not have achieved such a national ranking without the ardent support of the University, the local community, alumni and friends,” Lori Westermann, team adviser, said, “It takes a lot of time, effort and funds to get a team to nationals. When we say we share this recognition with all those who helped us get here, we really mean it.”

In the weeks leading up to the competition, the team conducted a number of fund-raising events that culminated with a public presentation of the advertising campaign it presented at Nationals.

“The turnout for the presentation event was phenomenal—standing room only. I think donors, and the community at large, are always amazed at the talent of the students at West Texas A&M,” Joe Bill Sherrod, senior development officer of the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities, said.

Both the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities Advisory Board and the WTAMU Foundation Board provided key funding for the team. The Amarillo Advertising Federation used the occasion to present the team with a $2,375 support check.
“Each year AAF-Amarillo selects a non-profit to support in a sizable manner,” Benny Stallings, AAF-Amarillo president, said. “This year the board felt very strongly that one of our primary recipients would be the Buffalo Advertising team. We’ve watched the team grow year after year and to make it to a nationally competitive level is truly remarkable.”

Lori Westermann, instructor of mass communication, is the NSAC team adviser. Dr. Leigh Browning, professor of mass communication, serves as the team’s presentation coach. Dr. R. Nicholas Gerlich, head of the Department of Marketing, Management and General Business, provides benchmark, ROI and evaluation assistance.

Members of the presentation team are listed by hometown, classification and major.
Amarillo
Kyle DeVore, senior mass communication major—creative department
Megg Dunlap, senior mass communication major—PR department
Robin Mosier, senior mass communication major—media department
Canyon
David Gisch, junior mass communication major—PR department
Clarendon
Lauren Shelton, junior mass communication major—creative department

Members of the Buffalo Advertising team are listed by hometown, classification and major.
Amarillo
Zivorad Filipovic, senior mass communication major—PR department
Emily Gross, sophomore mass communication major—retail department
Kendal Kuehler, junior mass communication major—design assistant
Aubrey
Travis George, senior mass communication major—creative department
Canyon
Cecily Charles, senior mass communication major—creative department
Claude
Tessa Davis, freshman mass communication major—media department
Dallas
Marisa Howell, junior graphic design major—graphic designer
Earth
Sheryl Proctor, senior mass communication major—PR department
Gruver
Yadira Garcia, senior mass communication major—retail department
Lawton, Okla.
Bethany Beck, graduate student in communication studies—project manager
Leawood, Kan.
Lauren Lomax, senior mass communication major—PR department
Los Angeles, Calif.
Alex Montoya, junior mass communication major—retail department
Lubbock
Darren Darthard, senior mass communication major—media department
San Antonio
Julia Greif, senior mass communication major—retail department
Vernon
Abbey Coufal, junior mass communication major—media department
Wellington
Wilson Lemieux, senior mass communication major—strategy/production specialist

—WTAMU—

Enactus Team Places in Top 20 at National Competition

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

June 4, 2013

COPY BY: Jean Walker, 806-651-2515, jwalker@wtamu.edu

Enactus Team Places in Top 20 at National Competition

CANYON, Texas—WTAMU Enactus (formerly Students in Free Enterprise) placed in the top 20 at the Enactus USA National Exposition May 22-23 in Kansas City, Mo.

The WTAMU team also was named one of the eight national finalist teams in the Campbell’s Let’s Can Hunger Project Partnership, a project focused on fighting community hunger.

Enactus projects focus on a triple bottom line—people, profits, and planet. Using the power of entrepreneurial action to empower people in need, Enactus teams work collaboratively to transform lives and build a better, more sustainable world.

Throughout the 2012-2013 academic year, WTAMU Enactus projects focused on job skills training for single mothers, tutoring refugees, mentoring teenagers at the Youth Center of the High Plains, small business consulting, teaching entrepreneurship, hunger relief and encouraging youth to reach for their dreams through college and career training.

Through helping others achieve their dreams, Enactus team members improve their own marketability by learning leadership, teamwork and project management skills. More than 50 national companies who specifically target Enactus students in their hiring process gave team members seeking internships or employment the opportunity to be recruited at the Career Fair at the USA National Exposition.

In addition to the 535 American teams, Enactus teams on college campuses in 37 other countries compete nationally for the right to represent their country at Enactus World Cup in Mexico in September 2013. WTAMU Enactus is a student organization in the College of Business, but membership is open to any major of any classification at WTAMU.

The multimedia presentation of projects to corporate judges included Emilee Cavaness, Justin Lawlis, Laura Beth Hallman, Juan Ramirez, Blake Boone, Manuel Garcia, Angelica Pallares, Mary Dittfurth, Greg Moreno and Randi Ferdian.

Students representing WTAMU at national competition are listed by hometown and major.

Amarillo
Emilee Cavaness, accounting major
Mary Dittfurth, management major
Adriana Gallegos, accounting major
Manuel Garcia, finance major
Justin Lawlis, computer information systems major
Ignacio Mares, psychology major
Angelica Pallares, graduate student in accounting
Ana Ramirez, MBA student
Juan Ramirez, engineering major
Luis Rodriguez, management major
Bethany Wilcox, entrepreneurship/marketing major
Nathan Woodard, computer information systems major
Childress
Cecelia Dominguez, management major
Cleburne
Laura Beth Hallman, graduate student in finance and economics
Clovis, N.M.
Sarah Sabins, management major
Dimmitt
Cynthia Prieto, management major
Indonesia
Randi Ferdian, computer information systems major
Karaganda, Kazakhstan
Vitaliy Skorodziyevskiy, international business major
Lubbock
Brittany Smith, general business major
Montgomery, Ala.
Dayren Tolliver, finance major
Philadelphia, Pa.
Dana Versmessen, international business major
Vernon
Blake Boone, communication studies major
Vietnam
Tam Dao, accounting major
Kristen Le, mass communications major
Steve Le, accounting major
Wellington
Rudy Cantu, management major
Greg Moreno, accounting major
Wheeler
Elizabeth Castillo, accounting major
Wylie
Caity Kenny, international business major

—WTAMU—

Longtime Supporters Establish Endowed Scholarship at WTAMU

Wed, 29 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

May 29, 2013

COPY BY: Rana McDonald, 806-651-2129, rmcdonald@wtamu.edu

Longtime Supporters Establish Endowed Scholarship at WTAMU

CANYON, Texas—Two West Texas A&M University alumni have given a generous gift to West Texas A&M University’s Share Your Pride campaign to establish the David C. and Sandra L. Cook Agriculture Scholarship in the WTAMU Department of Agricultural Sciences.

The Cooks, both 1969 graduates of WTAMU, established the scholarship in honor of his mother, Evaline Hardin Cook. The Canadian, Texas, native borrowed money from a neighboring rancher to attend West Texas State Normal College. She earned a teaching certificate and rode a horse to work every day as a teacher at Prairie Dell School located just southeast of her hometown. Her son David witnessed her passion for teaching, and it instilled in him the value of an education. The David C. and Sandra L. Cook Agriculture Scholarship will support that passion in perpetuity for students majoring in agriculture at WTAMU.

The scholarship is unique in the way it was created through the campaign’s first-time use of a planned gift option called a charitable gift annuity. This option allows donors to make a significant gift to the University while receiving a guaranteed, partially tax-free income for their lifetime as well as a tax deduction.

At least one scholarship will be awarded annually at a minimum of $1,000. Recipients will be non-freshman majoring in agriculture with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference will be based on need.

David and Sandra Cook, longtime supporters of WTAMU, own and operate Cook Farms and Cattle Company in Canadian. They are members of the Alumni Association’s White Buffalo Society and lifetime members of the WTAMU Agriculture Development Association, where David servers on the board of directors.

The Cook’s gift is part of the University’s Share Your Pride campaign. The $35 million comprehensive campaign is well past the midway point of its five-year run with more than $25 million raised. The campaign began in January 2009 with its lead gift phase, raising $20 million in endowed and non-endowed gifts. The public phase of the campaign began in late August 2012 and will continue through September 2014. The campaign has three priorities—capital projects, $12 million, faculty/program support, $8 million, and scholarships, $15 million.

For more information about Share Your Pride and giving opportunities at WTAMU, visit wtamu.edu/campaign.

—WTAMU—

WTAMU Student Named Future Leaders Forum Scholarship Winner

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

May 22, 2013

COPY BY: Rana McDonald, 806-651-2129, rmcdonald@wtamu.edu

WTAMU Student Named Future Leaders Forum Scholarship Winner

CANYON, Texas—Sushil Thapa, a doctoral student in the College of Agriculture, Science and Engineering at West Texas A&M University, is one of 12 students from across the United States selected as a 2013 Future Leaders Forum Scholarship winner by the Association for International Agriculture and Rural Development (AIARD)

Thapa and the other 11 Future Leaders will participate in the 2013 AIARD Annual Conference and Future Leaders Forum June 2-5 in Washington, D.C. The students were selected from a field of 68 applicants nationwide, and the scholarships will help fund their participation at the annual event.

Selection was based on academic merit, international experience, goals and interests. The scholarships are available to enhance and encourage a student’s understanding and appreciation of issues and opportunities in international agriculture and rural development. The 12 students will participate in the AIARD annual conference and the Future Leaders Forum as well as visits to various companies, agencies and organizations involved in international agriculture and rural development.

Of the 12 winners, Thapa and Christopher Bielecki of Texas A&M University, are the only two representing Texas universities. Other schools represented include Washington State University, University of Georgia, Penn State, Purdue University, Virginia Tech, University of Wisconsin Ohio State and UC Davis.

—WTAMU—

WTAMU Department of Communications Seeking Nominations for Hall of Fame

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

May 21, 2013

COPY BY: Rana McDonald, 806-651-2129, rmcdonald@wtamu.edu

WTAMU Department of Communications Seeking Nominations for Hall of Fame

CANYON, Texas—The Department of Communication at West Texas A&M University is accepting nominations for its Communication Hall of Fame to recognize outstanding alumni who graduated no later than 2008 from the WTAMU Communication Studies, Speech Communication or Mass Communication programs. The deadline for nominations is July 15.

Nominees will be recognized at the Communication Hall of Fame Banquet at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20. Claire Shipman, ABC news correspondent, will be the keynote speaker.

The inaugural inductees of the Communication Hall of Fame will be selected by a committee of communication professionals. Committee members include Keith Brown, Opportunity Plan; Mary Coyne, McCormick Advertising; Ryan Hazelwood, KVII; Brent McClure, KFDA; Jackie Kingston, KAMR; Krissy Mailman, Sweester Healthcare; and Leslie Richardson, communication consultant.

The Department of Communication will host a reception as part of the WTAMU Alumni Summer Reunion (wtamu.edu/reunion) from 3-4 p.m. Saturday, June 8 in the AT&T HD TV Studio in the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex. Additional information about the Hall of Fame Banquet and the nomination process will be available during the reception.

Nomination criteria and forms can be found on the Communication Hall of Fame website at wtamu.edu/communication-hall-of-fame.aspx. All nomination forms should be emailed to Dr. Trudy Hanson at thanson@wtamu.edu by the July 15 deadline.

—WTAMU—