Dr. Beth Garcia Named WT’s First Sylvia Nugent Professor of Education

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — A new endowed professorship will help West Texas A&M University continue its longstanding tradition of educating the educators of the Texas Panhandle.

Dr. Beth Garcia will serve as WT’s first Sylvia Nugent Professor of Education, WT administrators announced today.

The professorship was established in January in Nugent’s honor, recognizing her years of service in Texas politics, including political consulting, fundraising and other jobs for key political leaders, including former U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry and Texas state Rep. Four Price.

“The Nugent professorship recognizes the need to use education as a vehicle to support democracy,” said Dr. Neil Terry, executive vice president and provost. “Teaching students to think critically, debate, and convert information into knowledge is a cornerstone of democracy. This professorship will enhance student engagement opportunities, critical thinking and innovation by supporting the teaching, research and service activities of an exceptional faculty member.”

Garcia, who has taught full time at WT since 2012, is director of teacher preparation, certification, advising and PACE. The professorship will “provide new and exciting opportunities for WT’s educator preparation program,” she said.

“To say I am honored to be named the Nugent Professor of Education is an understatement,” Garcia said. “I am humbled and grateful to be given such an awe-inspiring opportunity to not only represent the Nugent family’s name but also to continue preparing the future teachers of the Texas Panhandle.”

Garcia has already demonstrated her dedication to “exemplary educator education,” said Dr. Eddie Henderson, dean of the College of Education and Social Sciences.

“Dr. Garcia's expertise and experience together with the example of Mrs. Nugent’s commitment to high-quality public education will advanced teacher preparation in meaningful ways,” Henderson said. “Funding provided by the Sylvia Nugent Professorship will benefit significantly the University and public school community.”

“Sylvia Nugent’s critical thinking skills and her contributions to improving public policies, including those focused on education, cannot be overemphasized,” said Rep. Four Price, R-Amarillo. “She believes that education is foundational to our democracy and to improving our community. Sylvia has consistently prioritized the value of a good education, so it’s particularly gratifying to see this endowed professorship established in her name. As a professional and as a friend, I have the highest regard and respect for Sylvia. The powerful combination of this professorship in honor of Sylvia Nugent, a long-time community leader and stalwart, the scholarship of Dr. Garcia and the university's commitment to excellence will pay tremendous dividends for future teachers and their students for generations.”

Garcia earned her master’s in education from WT in 2008 and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction / language and literacy with a minor in ESL / bilingual education from Texas Tech University in 2013. She is a WT faculty fellow for the Campus 2 Community Quality Enhancement Plan promoting experiential learning opportunities and nationally certified through the National Society for Experiential Educators Experiential Education Academy. Garcia has served in the field of education for the past 20 years, beginning her career at WT as a part-time instructor in 2009. She is a certified public school teacher and taught in the classroom for 11 years before entering higher education to train pre-service teachers.

Endowed professorships are one way in which WT will meet its goal of becoming a regional research university, as outlined in the University’s long-term plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. With enrollment of more than 10,000, WT offers 60 undergraduate degree programs, 40 master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 15 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

—WTAMU—