32 New Faculty Hired for WT’s 2024-2025 Academic Year

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

CANYON, Texas — West Texas A&M University’s faculty roll has increased by more than 30 new scholars as the 2024-2025 academic year begins.

“We are excited to welcome a talented group of new faculty members this year,” said Dr. Neil Terry, provost and executive vice president of academic affairs. “They will play an essential role in advancing student success and academic excellence at WT.”

New faculty members have been hired in each of WT’s six Colleges: the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business, the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences, the College of Engineering, the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities, and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Additionally, several new administrators are in place for the academic year.

As previously announced, Doug Lipinski is the new vice president for athletics and Dr. Dan Peterson is the new dean of the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities.

In the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Dr. Rick Haasl, who will continue as associate dean for the College, is department head for Sports and Exercise Sciences. Laura Reyher, the Baptist Community Services Professor in Rural Health, is the new director of the Laura and Joe Street School of Nursing. Dr. Zeth Collom is the interim department head for Speech and Hearing Sciences.

In the Engler College of Business, Dr. Jeffry Babb is associate dean of graduate business programs.

In the Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities, Dr. Emily Kinsky is interim department head for English, Philosophy and Modern Languages.

The newest Buffs join an approximately 350-member faculty.

Before classes began Aug. 26, new faculty took part in an orientation session to learn about the University and to receive advice on how to make their first semester run smoothly.

New hires include:

• Dr. Udo Akpan, assistant professor of mathematics—Ph.D. in mathematics, Drexel University
• Dr. Benton Allen, assistant professor of systems engineering—Ph.D. in agriculture, West Texas A&M University
• Dr. Ryan Boehme, assistant professor of music—Doctor of Music in percussion performance, Florida State University
• Kim Bowen, instructor of nursing — Master of Science in nursing, Walden University
• Dr. Abraham Carr, assistant professor of accounting —Ph.D. in business, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Keshon Cervantes, instructor of biology —Master of Science in biology, West Texas A&M University
• Dr. Debarun Das, assistant professor of computer science—Ph.D. in computer science, University of Pittsburgh
• Dr. Carla Eichler, assistant professor of geology—Ph.D. in geosciences, Texas Tech University
• Dr. Brian Farmer, instructor of political science—Ph.D. in political science, Texas Tech University
• Julia Fauske, instructor of nursing — Master of Science in nursing, West Texas A&M University
• Dr. Persephone Hernandez Vogt, assistant professor of Spanish—Ph.D. in romance languages and literature Spanish, University of Michigan
• Ana Ibarra, instructor of social work — Master of Science in social work, University of Texas at Arlington
• Robin Johnson, instructor of education — Master of Science in educational psychology / gifted and talented, University of North Texas
• Dr. Qi Kang, assistant professor of agricultural business and economics—Ph.D. in agricultural and applied economics, Texas Tech University
• Dr. Dongwook “Jimmy” Kim, assistant professor of management—Ph.D. in business administration, University of Pittsburgh
• DeRenda Laramore, instructor of nursing — Master of Science in nursing, West Texas A&M University
• David Lough, instructor of trumpet—Master of Music in music performance, West Texas A&M University
• Dr. Dylan Maag, assistant professor of biology—Ph.D. in evolutionary biology, San Diego State University
• Nicole McGee, instructor of English—Master of Arts in English literature, West Texas A&M University
• Dr. Lydia Miller, assistant professor of social work —Doctor of Social Work, University of Kentucky
• Mohammad Younus Nomani, assistant professor of graphic design—Master of Fine Arts in graphic design, Ohio University
• Dr. Shefali Pawar, assistant professor of electrical engineering—Ph.D. in engineering science, University of Mississippi
• Pamela Rahn, instructor of nursing — Master of Science in nursing, Lubbock Christian University
• Dr. Lau Romero, assistant professor of Spanish—Ph.D. in Hispanic cultural studies, Michigan State University
• Dr. Bailey Samper, assistant professor of agricultural business and economics—Ph.D. in one health science, Texas Tech University
• Jessica Schury, instructor of flute —Master of Music in music performance, Stony Brook University
• Dr. Trent Schwartz, assistant professor of meat science—Ph.D. in animal science, Texas A&M University
• Tabatha Taylor, head equestrian coach—Master of Science in animal science, Oklahoma State University
• Ellis Vidmar, instructor of agricultural media and communication—Master of Science in agriculture, West Texas A&M University
• Dr. Oliva Villanueva, instructor of chemistry —Ph.D. in chemistry, Texas Tech University
• Dr. Kerrie Young, assistant professor of nursing —Doctor of Education in nursing education, National University
• Valerie Parker, instructor of speech language pathology—Master of Science in speech-language pathology and audiology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Recruiting and retaining the best faculty and staff is a key mission of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign’s new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised nearly $160 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT, a Regional Research University, is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 58 undergraduate degree programs, one associate degree, and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree 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 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

—WT—