It is our privilege to honor outstanding alumni whose personal accomplishments and professional achievements are a source of great pride for WT.
As distinguished alumni, they are not only recognized for their successes, but commended for long careers as ambassadors of a quality education at an affordable institution.
For more information, contact the WT Alumni Association at 806-651-2311 or email rhall@wtamu.edu.
2026 Distinguished Alumni
Dr. Kelly Beierschmitt
Beierschmitt, who grew up in Claude, serves as the president and general manager of PanTeXas Deterrence, LLC, the management and operating contractor of the Pantex Plant in Amarillo. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Mathematics from WT and a Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial Engineering from Texas Tech University.
Beierschmitt has amassed more than 40 years of leadership experience at U.S. Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration facilities and laboratories. His prior positions included serving as the deputy director of operations for Los Alamos National Laboratory, chief research officer for Idaho National Laboratory, as well as other roles at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
He is a registered Professional Engineer, Certified Safety Professional in Comprehensive Practice, and a member of the American Nuclear Society and other professional organizations.
Dr. Linda J. Cornette Young
Young, who grew up in White Deer, earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mathematics from WT before completing a Ph.D. in Statistics at Oklahoma State University. Her career-long focus: the interface of statistics and science, particularly the agricultural sciences.
On faculty at OSU, University of Nebraska, and University of Florida, Young collaborated with scientists on issues challenging agriculture practice and productivity. She left academia to lead research and development at the National Agricultural Statistics Service, bringing innovation to official U.S. agricultural statistics. Today she collaborates with the National Institute of Statistical Sciences and supports international agricultural research as a consultant to the Gates Foundation.
Young has authored more than 100 referenced publications and three books and served in leadership roles in professional statistical societies. She is an elected fellow/member of the American Statistical Association, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the International Statistical Institute.