WT Print Shop Wins National Award

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

CANYON, Texas — The West Texas A&M University Print Shop recently won a top award against national competition.

The mailer for The Arts at WT: A Subscription Series, advertising a series of events for the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities, won a gold In-Print Award in the Small Shop–Brochures category in a competition co-sponsored by the In-Plant Printing & Mailing Association and In-Plant Impressions.

The contest is the only one in the country exclusively for in-plant printers from all industry segments, said Meghan Watts, manager of University print services.

Other small shop competitors included in-plant printers from University of Oregon, Purina PetCare, Cedarville University, Academy of Family Physicians and others. 

“We feel incredibly proud of the work we are producing for WT to have our name next to other incredible competitors,” Watts said.

Judges scrutinized the entries over one recent weekend, examining each piece based on the quality of the printing process.

“So, they are looking for imperfections in the ink coverage, spots or specks, color variations, dings, dents, bad folds, and even design problems like bad letter spacing crooked text, fuzzy photos and so much more,” Watts said.

The mailer was designed by Dwanya James, University graphic designer. Print Shop team members included Bob Baack, print shop technician; and Madde Luckey, administrative assistant. Student workers include Tasia Brown, a junior graphic design major from Amarillo; Thomas Gutierrez, a senior graphic design major from Lubbock; Jerry Jakpa, a senior finance major from Warri, Nigeria; Rose Odebunmi, a senior psychology major from Ad-Ekiti, Nigeria; and Jacie Pennington, a junior agriculture media and communication major from Bryson.

“We take great pride in our University Print Shop, graphic design teams, and the faculty and staff of the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities for their dedication to excellence,” said Dr. De’Arno De’Armond, associate vice president for University branding and chief marketing officer. “This national recognition highlights their craftsmanship and the vision of University leaders who revitalized the Print Shop, fostering innovation and impact.”

The WT Print Shop also entered an admissions search piece and large-format poster, which competed against the likes of Yale University, State of Wisconsin, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, University of Texas and others.

A commitment to quality is a key principle 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: Celebrating the WT Print Shop's gold In-Print Award are, from left, Madde Luckey, administrative assistant; Dwanya James, University graphic designer; Meghan Watts, manager of University print services; and Bob Baack, print shop technician.

—WT—