Gifts to WT may be used to endow professorships, offering opportunities for exceptional faculty members by providing additional resources for teaching, research and professional activities and development. Faculty members benefit from the coveted title, and students glean from the professor’s academic insight and leadership. This helps enrich the life of the University and strengthen the foundation of academic excellence.
Endowed Chairs
An endowed chair provides the University a valuable tool in recruiting and retaining exceptional faculty. Funds from the endowment allow WTAMU to reward scholarly excellence and encourage research while enhancing program growth and development. An endowed chair is a coveted position that brings prestige and distinction to a college discipline while providing faculty support for research and creative work. It offers opportunities for program growth and development and recognizes scholarly excellence. Endowed chair positions recognize the generosity of donors in perpetuity and serve as a valuable tool in recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty members.
- $1.25 million - Endowed Chair
- $2.5 million - Distinguished Chair
Professorships
A professorship expands opportunities for exceptional faculty members by providing additional resources for teaching, research and professional activities and development. Faculty members benefit from the coveted title, and students glean from the professor’s academic insight and leadership.
- $125,000 - Professorship
- $250,000 - Distinguished Professorship
Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences
Caviness Davis Distinguished Chair in Meat Science
Dr. Ty Lawrence
The Caviness Davis Distinguished Chair in Meat Science was established in 2021 by Caviness Beef Packers and Gordon W. Davis in recognition and support of the pursuit of excellence by the Meat Science Program at West Texas A&M University.
Couch Family Professorship of Extension Education
Dr. Lance Kieth
The Couch Family Professorship of Extension Education was established in 2023 to honor the family legacy of commitment to youth education through enrichment activities such as 4-H, FFA, and agriculture extension programs.
James A. "Buddy" Davidson Professorship of Wildlife Biology
Dr. Ray Matlack
The James A. “Buddy” Davidson Endowed Professorship in Wildlife Biology was established in 2012 by the James A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Foundation to support a hands-on faculty member’s teaching and research activities utilizing a variety of environments and outdoor learning experiences.
Dr. Gordon W. Davis Chair in Meat Judging
Dr. Loni Lucherk
The Dr. Gordon W. Davis Chair in Meat Judging was established in 2021 by Gordon W. Davis in recognition and support of the pursuit of excellence by the Meat Judging Program at West Texas A&M University.
Paul Engler Professor of Agriculture
Dr. Bridget Guerrero
The Engler Professor of Agriculture was established in 2024 by the Paul & Virginia Engler Foundation and Friends of West Texas A&M University to honor the legacy of Mr. Paul Engler. Mr. Engler exemplifies a combination of work ethic, business acumen, and resolve that captures the entrepreneurial spirit of the West Texas regional community.
Paul Engler Professor of Biology
Dr. Carolyn Bouma
The Engler Professor of Biology was established in 2024 by the Paul & Virginia Engler Foundation and Friends of West Texas A&M University to honor the legacy of Mr. Paul Engler. Mr. Engler exemplifies a combination of work ethic, business acumen, and resolve that captures the entrepreneurial spirit of the West Texas regional community.
Paul Engler Professorship of Beef Cattle Feedlot Management
Dr. John Richeson
The Paul Engler Professorship of Beef Cattle Feedlot Management was established in 2021 by the Paul and Virginia Engler Foundation. The purpose of the professorship is to advance the mission of the feedlot management program at West Texas A&M University by supporting the teaching, research, and service activities of an outstanding faculty member in the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences.
Paul Engler Professorship of Natural Sciences
Dr. David Khan
The Paul Engler Professorship of Natural Sciences was established in 2021 by the Paul and Virginia Engler Foundation. The purpose of the professorship is to advance the mission of the natural sciences programs at West Texas A&M University by supporting the teaching, research, and service activities of an outstanding faculty member in the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences.
Vernon Harman Professor of Dryland Farming
Dr. Brock Blaser
The Vernon Harman Professorship of Dryland Farming was established in 2021 with gifts from the Harman family. The professorship recognizes Vernon Harman and his family as tremendous examples of successful Texas Panhandle farmers and their support of continuous improvement farming in the community through education and research.
Dean Hawkins Distinguished Chair in Cow/Calf Management
Dr. Tommy Perkins
The Dr. Dean Hawkins Distinguished Chair in Cow/Calf Management was established in 2018 to honor Dr. Hawkins’ commitment to West Texas A&M University and the Texas Panhandle.
Plug Piehl Professor of Agriculture
Dr. Mallory Vestal
The Plug Piehl Professor of Agriculture was established in 2021 by Helen and LaDeanna Plug Piehl to advance the mission and student engagement of the Department of Agriculture.
Dr. Bob and Cleo Robinson Professorship in Livestock Judging
Michael Semler
The Dr. Bob and Cleo Robinson Professorship in Livestock Judging was established in 2023 to advance the teaching, research, and service activities in the Paul Engler College of Agricultural and Natural Sciences by supporting the livestock judging team leadership.
Stan and Gerry Sigman Professor of Water Resources
Dr. Craig Bednarz
The Stan and Gerry Sigman Professorship of Water Resources was established in 2021 by the Sigman family to support teaching and research programs related to water utilization.
Richard and Mary West Traylor Professorship
Dr. Kevin Williams
The Richard and Mary West Traylor Professorship in Agriculture Education was established in 2019 by a generous contribution in memory of Geneva Schaeffer and in honor of Mr. Stanley Schaeffer. Mary West was a dear friend of Geneva Schaeffer, and the professorship honors Richard and Mary West Traylor for their commitment to supporting the development of future agriculture educators.
Ross W. Wilson Chair in Chemistry
Dr. Jason Yarbrough
The Ross W. Wilson Chair in Chemistry is the first endowed chair in the College of Agriculture, Science and Engineering. It was established by gifts from the late Ross W. Wilson, a 1938 graduate of WT, and the estate of Hazel Kelley Wilson to honor both Ora Mae Harris Wilson, a 1938 WT graduate and wife of Ross W. Wilson, and Dr. Charles A. Pierle, who taught chemistry at WT from 1922-1954.
Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business
Amjad Abdullat Professorship of Business
Dr. Leslie Ramos-Salazar
The Amjad A. Abdullat Professorship of Business was established in 2018 by Drs. Amjad Abdullat and Taghreed Maaytah, and Friends of the Engler College of Business. The purpose of the professorship is to enhance student engagement opportunities and innovation across the business curriculum.
Hassan and Jill Dana Professorship of Business
Dr. Neil Meredith
The Dana Professorship of Business was established in 2015 by Hassan and Jill Dana. The professorship was created for the purpose of supporting academic excellence, discovery, and innovation for the faculty, students, and regional community supported by West Texas A&M University and the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business.
Gene Edwards Professorship of Accounting
Dr. Chen Zhao
The Gene Edwards Professorship was established in 2015 by friends of Gene Edwards to provide an endowment for funding the Edwards Professorship of Accounting. The professorship is in honor of Gene Edwards, a distinguished Texas banker who enhanced both business and community development through his leadership at the First National Bank of Amarillo.
Gene Edwards Professorship of Banking
Dr. Huabing Wang
The Gene Edwards Professorship was established in 1984 by friends of Gene Edwards to provide an endowment for funding the Edwards Professorship of Banking. The professorship is in honor of Gene Edwards, a distinguished Texas banker who enhanced both business and community development through his leadership at the First National Bank of Amarillo.
Gene Edwards Professorship of Finance
Dr. Anne Macy Terry
The Gene Edwards Professorship was established in 1984 by friends of Gene Edwards to provide an endowment for funding the Edwards Professorship of The professorship is in honor of Gene Edwards, a distinguished Texas banker who enhanced both business and community development through his leadership at the First National Bank of Amarillo.
Gene Edwards Professorship of Financial Planning
Dr. Oscar Solis
The Gene Edwards Professorship was established in 2013 by friends of Gene Edwards to provide an endowment for funding the Edwards Professorship of Financial Planning. The professorship is in honor of Gene Edwards, a distinguished Texas banker who enhanced both business and community development through his leadership at the First National Bank of Amarillo.
Engler Professorship of Computer Information Systems
Dr. Amjad Abdullat
The Engler Professorship of Computer Information Systems was established in 2023 by the Paul & Virginia Engler Foundation. The purpose of the professorship is to advance the mission of the business program at West Texas A&M University by supporting the teaching, research, and service activities of an outstanding CIS faculty member in the Engler College of Business.
Engler Professorship of Economics
Dr. Neil Terry
The Engler Professorship of Economics was established in 2020 by the Paul & Virginia Engler Foundation. The purpose of the professorship is to advance the mission of the business program at West Texas A&M University by supporting the teaching, research, and service activities of an outstanding economics faculty member in the Engler College of Business.
Engler Professorship of Management
Dr. Kelly McCauley
The Engler Professorship of Management was established in 2019 by the Paul & Virginia Engler Foundation. The purpose of the professorship is to advance the mission of the business program at West Texas A&M University by supporting the teaching, research, and service activities of an outstanding management faculty member in the Engler College of Business.
Paul Engler Professorship of Business
Dr. De'Arno De'Armond
The Paul Engler Professorship was established in 2019 by the Paul & Virginia Engler Foundation. The purpose of the professorship is to advance the mission of the business program at West Texas A&M University by supporting the teaching, research, and service activities of an outstanding faculty member in the Engler College of Business.
Paul Engler Professor of Business Innovation
Dr. Carl Zhang
The Engler Professor of Business Innovation was established in 2024 by the Paul & Virginia Engler Foundation and Friends of West Texas A&M University to honor the legacy of Mr. Paul Engler. Mr. Engler exemplifies a combination of work ethic, business acumen, and resolve that captures the entrepreneurial spirit of the West Texas regional community.
Paul Engler Professor of Entrepreneurship
Dr. Dave Howe
The Engler Professor of Entrepreneurship was established in 2024 by the Paul & Virginia Engler Foundation and Friends of West Texas A&M University to honor the legacy of Mr. Paul Engler. Mr. Engler exemplifies a combination of work ethic, business acumen, and resolve that captures the entrepreneurial spirit of the West Texas regional community.
Virginia Engler Professorship of Business
Dr. Jillian Yarbrough
The Virginia Engler Professorship was established in 2018 by the Paul & Virginia Engler Foundation. The purpose of the professorship is to advance the mission of the business program at West Texas A&M University by supporting the teaching, research, and service activities of an outstanding faculty member in the Engler College of Business.
J.W. & Nell Foust Professorship of Business
Dr. Scott Jones
Friends of the Engler College of Business and the Paul & Virginia Engler Foundation established the Foust Professorship of Business in 2019 to honor the legacy of J.W. and Nell Foust. The professorship is established to advance the mission of the Engler College of Business and honor of the legacy of J.W. and Nell Foust as Texas Panhandle business pioneers.
Dr. Phil Gensler Professorship of Computer Information Systems
Dr. Murray Jennex
The Gensler Professorship was established in 2007 by friends and former students of Dr. Phil Gensler to provide an endowment for funding the Gensler Professorship of Computer Information Systems. The professorship is in honor of Dr. Phil Gensler, a distinguished computer information systems professor who, through 20 years of professional leadership and dedication to students, provided exceptional opportunities for graduates in computer information systems.
J. Pat Hickman Professorship of Marketing
Dr. Nick Gerlich
The Hickman Professorship was established in 2008 by Happy State Bank to provide an endowment for funding the Hickman Professorship of Marketing and Business. The professorship is in honor of Mr. J. Pat Hickman, a Texas Panhandle banker that provides leadership to Happy State Bank with a spirited entrepreneurial vision.
Donald W. Hodges Professorship of Business
Dr. Anne Barthel
The Donald W. Hodges Professorship of Business was established by Hodges Capital Management and the Paul & Virginia Engler Foundation in 2020. The professorship was created for the purpose of enhancing high quality instruction and research in the areas of business ethics and corporate governance at West Texas A&M University.
Donald W. Hodges Professorship of Corporate Governance
Dr. James Owens
The Donald W. Hodges Professorship of Corporate Governance was established by Don & Freddie Hodges and Hodges Capital Management in 2013. The professorship was created for the purpose of enhancing high quality instruction and research in the areas of corporate governance and business ethics at West Texas A&M University.
Dr. Anne Macy Professorship of Business
Dr. Ashley Morgan
The Macy Professorship of Business was established in 2020 by Drs. Neil and Anne Macy Terry with the Paul & Virginia Engler Foundation. The professorship was created for the purpose of supporting continuous improvement efforts that advance the business program at West Texas A&M University.
McCray Professorship of Business
Dr. Rahul Chauhan
The McCray Professorship was established in 2007 by James B. and Mogie R. McCray to provide an endowment for funding the McCray Professorship in Business. The professorship recognizes the McCray family as generous business leaders promoting high-quality instruction and scholarship in the Texas Panhandle.
McCray Professorship of Business Analytics
Dr. Liang Chen
The McCray Professorship was established in 2021 by James B. and Mogie R. McCray to provide an endowment for funding the McCray Professorship in Business Analytics. The professorship recognizes the McCray family as generous business leaders promoting high-quality instruction and scholarship in the Texas Panhandle.
Dr. Jerry Miller Professorship of Entrepreneurship
Dr. Matt Loftin
The Dr. Jerry Miller Professorship was established in 2010 by Dr. Jerry Miller, a distinguished scholar, dedicated professor, entrepreneur, community leader, and innovative former dean of the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business at West Texas A&M University. The professorship was created for the purpose of supporting the continued student, faculty, and community entrepreneurship activities at West Texas A&M University.
Don Patterson Professorship of Business Law
Dr. Robin Patterson
Don Patterson, a 1952 graduate of the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business, established the Patterson Professorship of Business Law in 2013. The professorship was created for the purpose of supporting academic excellence, discovery, and innovation for the faculty, students, and regional community supported by West Texas A&M University and the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business.
Barbara Petty Professorship of Business Communication
Dr. Mary Liz Brooks
The Barbara Petty Professorship of Business Education was established in 2023 by Friends of the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business, the Engler College of Business, and the Office of Academic Affairs to honor the legacy of Barbara Petty serving West Texas A&M University. The purpose of the professorship is to advance student enrichment by enhancing communication and leadership skills in the Engler College of Business.
T. Boone Pickens Professorship of Business
Dr. Sean Humpherys
The Pickens Professorship was established in 2007 by Mr. T. Boone Pickens, a distinguished oil and gas industry leader. The professorship is created for the purpose of stimulating academic excellence, enhancing creative thought and challenging business students at West Texas A&M University.
T. Boone Pickens Professor of Economics
Dr. Eric Hoffmann
The Pickens Professorship was established in 2019 by friends of the College of Business and the Paul & Virginia Engler Foundation. The professorship is created to honor the legacy of Mr. T. Boone Pickens for his efforts to advance the College of Business at West Texas A&M University.
T. Boone Pickens Professor of Management
Dr. Jonathan Shaffer
The Pickens Professorship was established in 2010 by Mr. T. Boone Pickens, a distinguished oil and gas industry leader. The professorship is created for the purpose of stimulating academic excellence, enhancing creative thought and challenging business students at West Texas A&M University.
Stanley Schaeffer Professorship of Business Ethics
Dr. Dallin Smith
The Stanley Schaeffer Professorship for Business Ethics was established in 2010 by Mr. Stanley Schaeffer, a distinguished alumni, business leader, and philanthropist. This professorship was created for the purpose of stimulating academic excellence and enhancing an appreciation of ethical leadership for business students at West Texas A&M University.
Stan Sigman Professorship of Business
Dr. Jeffry Babb
The Sigman Professorship in Business was established in 2021 by the friends and family of Stan Sigman to honor his legacy, accomplishments and contributions. In gratitude for the establishment of the professorship, the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business, in coordination with the Engler Foundation, provided matching funds for the Stan Sigman Endowed Professorship in Business.
Drs. Neil and Anne Terry Professorship of Business
Dr. Bin Shao
The Terry Professorship of Business was established in 2013 by Drs. Neil and Anne Macy Terry. The professorship was created for the purpose of supporting continuous improvement efforts that advance the business program at West Texas A&M University.
David Wilder Professor of Business
Dr. Robert King
The David Wilder Professorship was established in 2018 by Friends of the Engler College of Business and the Paul & Virginia Engler Foundation. The professorship recognizes the dedicated service and commitment Mr. Wilder provides the business program at West Texas A&M University. The purpose of the professorship is to encourage and reward teaching excellence in support of students in the Texas Panhandle and beyond.
Don Williams Professor of Management
Dr. Andrew Li
The Williams Professorship of Management was established in 2010 by Mr. Don Williams, a distinguished entrepreneur, community leader and supporter of excellence in education from Plainview, Texas.
Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences
Teel Bivins Professor of American Politics
Dr. Reed Welch
The Teel Bivins Professor of Political Science was established in 2008, and its overwhelming support enabled the University to establish the Teel Bivins Professorship of American Politics in 2011. The professorship was funded through gifts from family, friends and colleagues of the late Ambassador Bivins and the Mary E. Bivins Foundation.
Teel Bivins Professor of Political Science
Dr. Dave Rausch
The Teel Bivins Professorship of Political Science was announced in 2008 to pay tribute to Ambassador Teel Bivins of Amarillo for his visionary leadership and the many significant contributions he made in the field of political science. The professorship was established through gifts from Bivins’ family, friends and colleagues and the Mary E. Bivins Foundation.
Lanna and Bob Hatton Professor of Education
Dr. Sang Hwang
The Lanna and Bob Hatton Professor of Education was established in 2022 by Bob and Lanna Hatton. The professorship supports teaching and research initiatives enhancing the quality of virtual instruction and learning.
Lanna Hatton Professor of Learning Disabilities
Dr. Stephanie Hart
The Lanna Hatton Professor of Learning Disabilities was established in 2020 by Bob and Lanna Hatton. The professorship seeks to improve the quality of educational programs at West Texas A&M University.
Lanna and Bob Hatton Rural Community Leadership Professorship
Dr. Brad Johnson
The Lanna and Bob Hatton Rural Community Leadership Professorship was established in 2024 by Bob and Lanna Hatton. The professorship seeks to improve the quality of life in the Panhandle of Texas by strengthening rural education research and teacher preparation.
Sylvia Nugent Professorship of Education
Dr. Beth Garcia
The Nugent Endowed Professorship of Education was established in 2021 to honor Sylvia Nugent. Mrs. Nugent’s career highlights include political consulting, fundraising, chief of staff, and related for key political leaders, including Mac Thornberry (27-year partnership) and Four Price. The purpose of the professorship is to enhance student engagement opportunities, critical thinking, and innovation by supporting the teaching, research, and service activities of an exceptional faculty member in the Department of Education at West Texas A&M University.
John G. O'Brien Distinguished Chair in Education
Dr. Shanna Peeples
The John G. O’Brien Distinguished Chair in Education was established in 2008 by members of the John G. O’Brien family, the Amarillo Area Foundation and the Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation. The chair honors O’Brien, who instilledin his family a profound dedication to strengthening public school education in the Texas Panhandle. It establishes a collaborative enterprise between WTAMU and the Amarillo Independent School District to create and implement a state-of-the-art professional development school model for teacher preparation—a model designed to ensure WTAMU students are well prepared to successfully teach in 21st century classrooms.
Helen Piehl Professor of Education
Dr. Ashley Campbell
The Helen Piehl Professorship of Education was established in December 2008 as a Centennial Leadership Gift from Helen Piehl, the 2007-2008 WTAMU Foundation president.
Bill Piehl Professor of Education and Social Sciences
Dr. Michelle Simmons
The Bil Piehl Professorship of Education and Socia Science was established in 2021 by Helen and Puff Piehlf to directly or indirectly benefit students with learning differences through teaching, research, and service.
Myrna Raffkind Professor of Global Education
Dr. Eddie Henderson
The Raffkind Professorship was established in 2022 by Friends of the College of Education & Social Science to honor Myrna Raffkind. The purpose of the professorship is to advance the mobility of students and scholars who go to another part of the world to study, research, and teach.
Dyke Rogers Professor of Education
Dr. Judy Williams
The Dyke Rogers Professor of Education (Science of Teaching Reading) was established in 2024 in collaboration between the Hill Institute and the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences. The Professorship advances the mission of West Texas A&M University and the Hill Institute via a focus on 10 values: trust, family life, hard work, regard for others, personal responsibility, compatriotism and patriotism, virtue, faith, personal and civic loyalty, and rugged individualism.
Dyke Rogers Professor of Educational Leadership
Dr. Janet Hindman
The Dyke Rogers Professor of Educational Leadership was established in 2024 in collaboration between the Hill Institute and the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences. The Professorship advances the mission of West Texas A&M University and the Hill Institute via a focus on 10 values: trust, family life, hard work, regard for others, personal responsibility, compatriotism and patriotism, virtue, faith, personal and civic loyalty, and rugged individualism.
Dyke Rogers Professor of Psychology
Dr. Maxine De Butte
The Dyke Rogers Professor of Psychology was established in 2024 in collaboration between the Hill Institute and the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences. The Professorship advances the mission of West Texas A&M University and the Hill Institute via a focus on 10 values: trust, family life, hard work, regard for others, personal responsibility, compatriotism and patriotism, virtue, faith, personal and civic loyalty, and rugged individualism.
Dyke Rogers Professor of Sociology
Dr. Jenifer Kunz
The Dyke Rogers Professor of Sociology was established in 2024 in collaboration between the Hill Institute and the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences. The Professorship advances the mission of West Texas A&M University and the Hill Institute via a focus on 10 values: trust, family life, hard work, regard for others, personal responsibility, compatriotism and patriotism, virtue, faith, personal and civic loyalty, and rugged individualism.
Geneva Schaeffer Professor of Education and Social Sciences
Dr. Betty Coneway
The Geneva Schaeffer Professor of Education and Social Services was established by distinguished WTAMU alumna and philanthropist Geneva Schaeffer in 2010 to stimulate academic excellence and enhance scholarship, research and instruction for faculty in the College of Education and Social Sciences.
Nancy and Kel Seliger Distinguished Professorship in Government
Dr. Justin Moeller
The Nancy and Kel Seliger Distinguished Professorship in Government was established in 2024 by the Seliger family and friends. The professorship was created for the purpose of advancing high quality instruction and research in the areas of government and political science at West Texas A&M University.
College of Engineering
Bell Helicopter Professor of Engineering
Dr. Nathaniel Howell
The Bell Professorship in Engineering was established in 2012. Since the beginning of the engineering program at WT, Bell Helicopter has been one of its most generous and loyal supporters. This faculty endowment allows the program to retain and recruit faculty members who will continue to advance engineering at WT.
Clair Mayes Professorship of Mathematics
Dr. Pam Lockwood-Cooke
The Mayes Professorship of Mathematics was established in 2021 to honor Clair Mayes. He was a starter as an offensive guard at the University of Oklahoma in the 1950 National Championship season. The Chicago Bears drafted Clair in the 1951 NFL Draft, but because of the U.S. Army draft, he never had a chance to play for the Bears. Coach Mayes began his teaching and coaching career at Palo Duro High School in 1955, teaching algebra. He retired after completing 40 years in education, all in Amarillo. The faculty member holding the Mayes Professorship should be an educator with a desire to mentor and inspire students in a positive way consistent with the legacy of Coach Clair Mayes.
McFather Professorship in Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics
Dr. Anitha Subburaj
The McFather Professorship of Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science was established in 2022 to honor Shane McFather. The faculty member holding the McFather Professorship should be an engineer, computer scientist, or mathematician with a desire to inspire underrepresented groups in STEM fields while developing innovative technologies that impact the immediate needs of society that is consistent with the legacy of Shane McFather: See the good, be the good.
Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities
Doris Alexander Distinguished Professorship of Fine Arts
Jon Revett
For over 40 years, Doris Alexander has been a driving force in the advancement of the Fine Arts in the Panhandle of Texas. Her resume of leadership touches every single one of the Fine Arts disciplines in one way or another. In her 6 year stint as a gubernatorial appointee to the Texas Commission of the Arts she chaired the marketing campaign which sold over $2,000,000 worth of “State of the Arts” license plates benefitting the commission whose responsibility is to grant funds to arts entities all over the state. This professorship honors Doris Alexander and her exceptional commitment to the fine arts.
Lillith Brainard Professorship of Music
Dr. Mark Bartley
The Lilith Brainard Professorship of Music was established in 2013 in honor of Lilith Brainard and her commitment to the arts at WT. Recipients have a demonstrated record that advances the School of Music’s mission via distinctive teaching, research and/or service activities.
Royal R. Brantley Professorship in Theatre Studies
Callie Hisek
The professorship was created to honor the service and commitment of Royal R. Brantley to the many theatre students, faculty and professionals during his tenure at WTAMU. The professorship will be a three year rotating award and will be awarded to a theatre faculty member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to the high ideals of the theatre program at WTAMU.
Yvonne Franklin Endowed Chair in Music
Helen Blackburn
The Yvonne Franklin Endowed Chair in Music was established in 2008 by James Franklin as a permanent and perpetual tribute to his beloved wife.
Haley Endowed Professor of Western Studies
Dr. Alex Hunt
This fund is being created as part of the Haley Family Western Heritage Program at WTAMU to honor J. Evetts Haley, Sr. who graduated from West Texas Normal College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 1925. Designed to create a working research relationship between West Texas A&M University and the Nita Stewart Haley Memorial Library and the J. Evetts Haley Historical Center in Midland the professorship is awarded to either a qualified History Professor of a professor within the EMPL whose focus is Western Literature.
Wendy Marsh Professorship for Shakespeare Studies
Dr. Matthew Harrison
The Wendy and Stanley Marsh 3 Professorship in Shakespeare Studies was established in 1995 through the generosity of Wendy and Stanley Marsh 3 to promote the teaching of Shakespeare at WTAMU, in Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle.
Dr. Jenny Lind Porter Professorship of Communication
Dr. Emily S. Kinsky
Dr. Jenny Lind Porter served as a Professor of English at West Texas State University from 1959-1961. Dr. Porter published numerous poems and books, earning multiple prestigious awards from the Poetry Society of America and the title of Poet Laureate of Texas. The purpose of the Dr. Jenny Lind Porter Professorship of Communication is to advance the Texas Poets’ Corner mission, enhance student engagement opportunities, and support the intellectual/creative contributions of a deserving faculty member at West Texas A&M University.
Dr. Jenny Lind Porter Professorship of English
Dr. Patricia Tyrer
Dr. Jenny Lind Porter served as a Professor of English at West Texas State University from 1959-1961. Dr. Porter published numerous poems and books, earning multiple prestigious awards from the Poetry Society of America and the title of Poet Laureate of Texas. The purpose of the Dr. Jenny Lind Porter Professorship of English is to advance the Texas Poets’ Corner mission, enhance student engagement opportunities, and support the intellectual/creative contributions of a deserving faculty member at West Texas A&M University.
Dr. Jenny Lind Porter Professorship of History
Dr. Marty Kuhlman
Dr. Jenny Lind Porter served as a Professor of English at West Texas State University from 1959-1961. Dr. Porter published numerous poems and books, earning multiple prestigious awards from the Poetry Society of America and the title of Poet Laureate of Texas. The purpose of the Dr. Jenny Lind Porter Professorship of History is to advance the Texas Poets’ Corner mission, enhance student engagement opportunities, and support the intellectual/creative contributions of a deserving faculty member at West Texas A&M University.
Twanna Caddell Powell Professorship of History
Dr. Bruce Brasington
The Twanna Caddell Powell Endowed Professorship was established in 2021 by Don and Twanna Powell. The purpose of the professorship is to enhance the student learning experience by supporting an exceptional faculty member in the history department.
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Baptist Community Services Professorship
Dr. Priscella Correa
High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation is the grantmaking arm of Baptist Community Services, a Texas nonprofit organization affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation promotes healthcare services in the region, including through this professorship of nursing.
Baptist Community Services Professorship in Health Sciences
Dr. Gene Farren
The Baptist Community Services Professorship in Health Sciences was established in 2023 by the High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation. The goal of the professorship is to advance scholarly activity, teaching effectiveness, and service for human health in the Texas Panhandle.
Baptist Community Services Professorship in Rural Health
Laura Reyher
The Baptist Community Services Professorship in Rural Health was established in 2023 by the High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation. The goal of the professorship is to advance scholarly activity, teaching effectiveness, and service in rural communities for human health across the Texas Panhandle.
High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation Professorship in Nursing Leadership
Dr. Holly Jeffreys
The High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation Professorship in Nursing Leadership was established in 2023 by the High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation. The goal of the professorship is to advance scholarly activity, teaching effectiveness, and service in human health across the Texas Panhandle.
High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation Professorship in Psychiatric Mental Health
Shaina Neely
The High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation Professorship in Psychiatric Mental Health was established in 2023 by the High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation. The goal of the professorship is to advance scholarly activity, teaching effectiveness, and service in psychiatric mental health across the Texas Panhandle.
Nancy and John Kritser Professorship of Nursing
Collette Loftin
The Nancy and John Kritser Professorship of Nursing was established in 2023. The goal of the professorship is to recognize the Krister family commitment to the nursing profession, including 19 years of service to BSA in Amarillo by Nancy, and advance the mission of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at West Texas A&M University.
Northwest Texas Healthcare System/Eunice King Professorship in Nursing
Alee Friemel, MSN RN
The Northwest Texas Healthcare System – Eunice King Professorship in Nursing was established through a generous donation from Northwest Texas Healthcare Systems (NWTHS) to honor the life of Eunice Bassett King. Family and friends have joined the effort to provide a lasting tribute in memory of an exceptional individual who profoundly impacted nursing and health care in Texas.
S.S. "Buddy" Stephens Professorship of Communication Disorders
Traci Fredman
The S.S. “Buddy” Stephens Professorship of Communication Disorders was established in 2012 in honor of Stephens, a WT alumnus who dedicated more than 50 years of his professional career to speech-language pathology and the Department of Communication Disorders at WT. He founded the Amarillo Speech-Language-Hearing Center in 1959 and served as its director while mentoring WT students and providing them opportunities to earn clinical teaching hours. He is an advocate for rural health for children and pioneered rural outreach of speech-language and hearing services for children throughout the Texas Panhandle.
Mike Wartes Professor of Nursing and Health Sciences
Dr. Angela Phillips
The Michael Wartes Professorship of Nursing and Health Sciences was established in 2022 by Baptist Community Services and High Plains Christian Ministries. Wartes earned degrees at WT in 1975 and 1981, then served as director of athletics and head football coach at Canyon Independent School District before advancing to Canyon ISD superintendent before retiring in 2015. The goal of the professorship is to advance scholarly activity, teaching effectiveness, and service advancing human health in the Texas Panhandle.
Mary Wendler Professorship of Nursing Practice
Austin Wiseman, MSN RN
The Mary Wendler Professor of Nursing Practice was established in 2021 by Baptist Community Services and High Plains Christian Ministries. The professorship honors Mary Wendler for her service and contributions to the nursing profession. The professorship supports excellence in nursing education and patient care in West Texas.
Dr. Wesley L. Langham Professorship of Nursing
Shravan Devkota
The Dr. Wesley L. Langham Professor of Nursing was established in 2021 by Baptist Community Services and High Plains Christian Ministries. The professorship honors Dr. Langham for his service as a long-time officer of Baptist Community Services. The purpose of the professorship is to support excellence in nursing education and patient care in West Texas.
University-Wide Awards
Twanna M. Powell Fellow
Dr. Maxine De Butte
The Twanna M. Powell Fellow Program was established in 2023 to support, recognize, and significantly advance research excellence at West Texas A&M University. The research award is open to all academic disciplines and announced annually at the spring convocation.