Retired WT Photographer Rik Andersen Looks Back on Career in Cornette Show

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

CANYON, Texas — A photography exhibition recounting the decades-long career of the former West Texas A&M University photographer is on view at Cornette Library.

The retrospective exhibition of Rik Andersen’s work is on view through Feb. 20 in the library gallery in the heart of WT’s Canyon campus.

A closing reception will be held at 5 p.m. Feb. 20 at the gallery.

“Rik Andersen: University Photographer” is a collection of images created during Andersen’s 30-year career as the WT university photographer, as well as a few from his time as a student.

“The photos chronicle not only my years of creating images, but also the history of the University, the faculty, staff, students and the campus,” Andersen said. “Fashion and hairstyles, as well as the campus landscape, vary over the years, but the camera mummifies the moments, recording them and ensuring that time never changes, at least not in the photographs.”

Andersen, who was inducted into the WT Department of Communication Hall of Fame in October, earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from WT. As a student, worked as a photographer for The Prairie. In addition to shooting photos for the University since 1992, he has taught photography courses.

In 2023, Rik and his wife, Dr. Amy Andersen, established the Mr. Louis F. and Dr. Amy Andersen Media Communication Scholarship to support future communication students.

Andersen has won numerous honors, including multiple best-in-the-nation awards for his photography from College Sports Information Directors of America and the Admissions Marketing Report. WT recognized Andersen with WT’s highest staff award, the Clarence E. Thompson Award, in 1999.  Andersen retired as the university photographer in 2020, and then returned to WT in 2021 to work in Academic Digital Marketing.

“Cornette Library is honored to play a part in celebrating Rik’s career by hosting his exhibit,” said Shawna Kennedy-Witthar, director of information and library resources. “We are also pleased that these photographs will remain in the library, joining the rest of his collection in the University Archives.”

Spring library hours are 7:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 2 to 10 p.m. Sundays.

Andersen’s exhibition reflects the history and culture of WT, particularly showcasing its “people first” principle, as set out in 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 more than $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 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; 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.

Photo: Photos by retired University photographer Rik Andersen, including this wintry scene of the Joseph A. Hill Memorial Chapel, will be on view through Feb. 20 at West Texas A&M University's Cornette Library.

—WT—