WT’s Engler College of Business Encourages Transfers from Austin School

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

CANYON, Texas —West Texas A&M University representatives recently traveled to Austin to strengthen ties with a well-regarded school.

Representatives from the undergraduate business programs office in WT’s Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business met with students and advisers at Austin Community College on Jan. 30 to help encourage transfers from ACC to WT.

“We’re exploring new opportunities for students to seamlessly transfer into our business programs,” said Dr. Robert A. King, associate dean of undergraduate business programs. “We hope to provide these aspiring business professionals with clear pathways to continue their education at WT and achieve their career goals.”

During the visit, the team engaged with ACC students, answering questions and offering insights into how they can transition into WT’s programs. Meeting with advisers strengthened partnerships and will ensure students have the resources they need to succeed, King said.

Austin Community College is a nationally recognized college that boasts an annual enrollment of more than 70,000. Its chancellor is Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, a WT alumnus and former associate provost for academic affairs.

During the Austin trip, the Engler College of Business representatives and the WT Alumni Association also hosted an alumni gathering at Zilker Brewing Co., attended by about 25 former Buffs and others.

“We’re excited to build stronger connections with ACC and its students while also reconnecting with our incredible alumni in Austin,” King said. “These relationships are key to expanding opportunities for students and fostering a lifelong community of support.”

Such trips are important recruitment tools, said Dr. Amjad Abdullat, dean of the Engler College of Business.

“Connecting with transfer students at community colleges and visiting alums in their workplaces or homes reinforces our commitment to lifelong support and engagement,” Abdullat said. “These interactions strengthen partnerships, celebrate alum success, and ensure future students have the guidance and resources to continue their educational journey.”

Recruiting, retaining and rewarding the best students is a key component 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 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: Sara Koepp, left, coordinator of administrative services and student engagementm, and Brandy Carr, coordinator of undergraduate business programs and instructor of business, represented West Texas A&M University's Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business at a recent recruitment event at Austin Community College.

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