About Us

Mission Statement

The Jack B. Kelley Student Center is the gathering place for the entire West Texas A&M University community. We are dedicated to providing a premiere facility that inspires educational growth, social engagement and intellectual development through student-centered programs and services.

History of the JBK

Originally built in 1967, the JBK was first known as the Administration Building. Then in 1989, it underwent a major facelift in both appearance and personality. The building became the Jack B. Kelley Student Center after a generous endowment contribution in memory of former Amarillo businessman Jack B. Kelley. The JBK is the center of student activity at West Texas A&M University and is known as "The Living Room" for our Buff Family.

Construction for the expansion of the JBK began in 2011 and was completed in December 2012. The addition to the JBK includes additional meeting spaces, Legacy Hall (a multi-purpose room capable of seating 500-banquet style and 700 theatre style), a catering kitchen, a First-Year Experience office suite, a Buff Tech store, and restrooms on both floors.

The JBK Student Center underwent another significant change in 2016. After a massive hail storm damaged the roof, the Student Center was thrust into another renovation project. During the renovation, the Food Court was converted to open concept, new terrazzo and carpet flooring was installed, and new furnishings were installed throughout.

During the summer of 2018, a huge video wall was added to the commons.

In early 2020, the EBuff Tech Store was moved into the Bookstore to make way for the new Nathaniel and Helen Neal Multicultural Suite. Though it most obviously serves as a space for students to work, it also serves as a historic marker of the Neal family legacy at WT that began over 60 years ago.

Our Team

Shawn Fouts, Ed.D., Senior Director of Campus Community

Chari Hill, Assistant Director of the JBK

Andrew Mangum, Production Services Manager

Aaron Sams, Event Services Manager

Jeron Barrett, JBK Operations Coordinator

We couldn't run the department without our fantastic Student Building Managers, Operation Crew, Audio Visual Technicians, Event Services Assistants, Event Managers and Student Accountant.

We work hard to be a resource for our students and the entire WTAMU community; whether through event planning or just a place to relax. We at the JBK take great pride in knowing we are the heart of the University and strive for greatness in every endeavor. Our team is always looking for new ways to improve, so if you have any comments or concerns please fill out our facility questionnaire linked below.

Help Us Improve

Our Goals

- To instill in student staff the philosophy of workplace professionalism.

- To maintain facilities that are clean and in an excellent state of repair in order to provide an area in which quality programs and services for students can be accommodated.

- To build and cultivate campus community through programs and services.

- Develop students into capable and competent professionals that are prepared for their chosen career.

- Develop premier venues that are versatile to clients’ needs in a manner that is sustainable.

- Build an inventory of versatile and efficient equipment to meet the audio-visual needs of the campus community in a sustainable way.

- Develop an efficient and transparent reservation process for the campus community and for non-university guests.

Helps Us Accomplish Our Goals