Jeffreys Named WT’s First Ware University Distinguished Professor

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

CANYON, Texas — Dr. Holly Jeffreys, dean of West Texas A&M University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences, has been named to a prestigious new University position.

Jeffreys is the University’s first Ware University Distinguished Professor, the only University-level faculty endowment at WT. She will maintain her position as dean.

The Ware professorship was established in 2023 when Amarillo National Bank made a $3 million gift to name the Amarillo National Bank School of Accounting, Economics and Finance in the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business.

“The Ware family represents five generations of a family’s life and work influencing a whole region and industry,” said WT President Walter V. Wendler. “I am awestruck and proud to know the Ware family. They have embodied free enterprise through a multigeneration banking business, which is the largest private-owned family bank in the country, and helped shape, build, and support the people, programs, and places of the Panhandle region.”

Jeffreys “is an ideal inaugural recipient of the University professorship,” Wendler said.

“She has been entrepreneurial in approaches to address healthcare challenges in communities across the Panhandle and state through new business models and initiatives,” he continued. “She, in my opinion, is doing what B.T. Ware did more than a century ago.”

The Ware University Distinguished Professor may be filled by an instructor from any discipline across campus and will report directly to the President.

As the Ware University Distinguished Professor, Jeffreys will research areas of free-market economies that are related to rural family businesses and rural family entrepreneurism; the role of rural families in the American economy; and/or how rural family industries support a free-market economy and society.

“Receiving the Ware Distinguished Professorship is a true honor,” Jeffreys said. “I respect and appreciate the values the Ware family represents. Values such as free market economy, family business and small business entrepreneurship in rural regions combined with conservative leadership make the Texas Panhandle the best place on earth to live and raise a family.

“The Ware family paved the way for other rural families to create a solid, sustainable living while positively impacting the communities in which they live and work,” Jeffreys continued. “The Ware family continues to make a significant difference that extends well beyond this region, and I am grateful for the opportunity to add to their impact through the Ware Professorship.”

Jeffreys founded Panhandle Family Care in 2009, which operates Family Care Clinics in Panhandle, Bushland, Boys Ranch and Claude. She has been named Texas Panhandle Small Businessperson of the Year by U.S. Small Business Administration.

Jeffreys earned her bachelor’s and master of science in nursing from WT, then a doctorate in nursing practice from the University of Texas Health Science Medical Center

In 2014 Jeffreys was appointed to serve on the Health Care Advisory Board for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick where she continues to serve today. Jeffreys also serves as president of the Bushland Independent School District school board, president-elect for the Texas Deans & Directors for Professional Nursing Programs, and legislative ambassador for the Texas Nurse Practitioner Policy Council.

She serves on the board of directors for the Texas Association of Rural Health Clinics and the Harrington Cancer Health Foundation as well as on the advisory board for the Texas Board of Nursing and the Northwest Texas Small Business Development Centers. Jeffreys has been named a University of Texas distinguished nursing alumni, Texas Nurse Practitioner of the Year, and Texas State Excellence Award Winner from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Most recently, she was honored as one of the Great 25 Nurses of the Texas Panhandle. 

Addressing regional challenges and making an impact throughout the region and beyond are key components 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.

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