The latest Buff Brief for you!

The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences would like to utilize the month of November to acknowledge and appreciate those who give. This month we will be focusing on selected people, programs, and places that contribute to our college community. We hope you'll enjoy reading as much as we enjoyed creating!

Freshman Chemistry

Lab Legacy Scholarship

Joey Zimmerman is a senior Biochemistry major from Hutto, Texas. She is a recipient of the Freshman Chemistry Lab Legacy Scholarship.

This scholarship recognizes outstanding students who have served as laboratory assistants in Chemistry. It is funded partially from revenue of lab manuals and matching dollars from the Paul F. and Virginia J. Engler Foundation.

Joey is a first-generation college student. She is a member of the Attebury Honors Program and a McNair Scholar. She is the president of both the American Chemical Society and the Pre-Healthcare Club. Additionally, she is a member of the track and field team for WT. Zoey has applied to medical school programs in Texas to continue her education.

“Without financial assistance, I would not be able to be a full-time student. My opportunities have been life changing, and I will forever cherish how I have been able to focus on my academics,” she says. “Thank you so much for your support of my undergraduate education.”

Geology Merit Scholarship

Dena Needham is a senior majoring in Environmental Science from Amarillo, Texas. She is a recipient of the Geology Merit Scholarship.

The Geology Merit Scholarship was established in 1967 by Dr. and Mrs. Frank W. Daugherty to support students majoring in Environmental Sciences with a focus in Geology.

Dena is a second year Residential Assistant at WTAMU, a senior student researcher, and a teaching assistant for the geology program. She also serves as the president for the Geology Society. She is planning to pursue a master’s degree in geology or earth and planetary science after graduation.

“Scholarships have helped me shift my focus from financial need to schoolwork and campus involvement. Without scholarships, I would not have the opportunity to use my skills and achieve my dreams,” says Needham.

She would like to thank the kind souls who have helped her financially with her education.

A Heart for Giving

Pictured above (left to right): Top row- grandson Tyler and granddaughter Aiden. Bottom row- Anne Thomason, son Mark and wife Alissa, granddaughter Ashlee, son David and wife Stephanie, and Dr. Ron Thomason. Photo credit: Anne Thomason

Growing up on a cotton farm in Wellington, Texas bred a passion for plant science into Dr. Ronald (Ron) Thomason. After attending West Texas State College and meeting his future wife at a dorm mixer in 1960, WTSC became the life’s center for Dr. Thomason. In 1962, he was the first to be named “Outstanding Agriculture Student of the Year” his senior year and was presented the award by the department head, Dr. Charles Smallwood.

Pictured is Dr. Thomason receiving "Outstanding Agricultural Student of the Year" award his senior year (1962). Presenting him the award is Dr. Charles Smallwood.

His wife, Anne, recalls the impact Dr. Thomason had on plant science programs at other universities where he taught, but even more so at WTAMU. In his time as faculty in the department, Thomason developed programs, helped establish internships for students and sought opportunities for student success in many aspects.

“WT has always been the heart and soul of our family and will continue to be. I am proud of all Ron did for WT and the heart that he had for students,” says Anne.

Two named scholarships in honor of Dr. Thomason have been created. Since 2004, the Dr. Ronald C. Thomason Plant Science Scholarship has served 36 students for a total of $18,269. Additionally, Thomason’s sons Mark and David, both graduates of WT, established a scholarship to honor their parents. Since 2014, the Ronald & Anne Thomason Scholarship has been awarded to 13 students for a total of $9,265.

“Dr. Thomason was one of the seven agriculture faculty who fought to keep the department alive when it was not a popular department. He was a strong supporter even after he retired,” says Dr. Brock Blaser, Assistant Department Head and the Vernon Harmon Professorship of Dryland Farming WTAMU.

“I know the Plant, Soil and Environmental Science students who benefit from the generosity of the Thomason family have already and continue to carry Dr. Thomason’s attitude and dedication into their own careers,” he says.

Dr. N. Andy Cole

Collaboration Area

“I enjoy visiting the campus, walking up to the third floor, and seeing the collaboration space being used by students,” Dr. N. Andy Cole ’71 says.

During construction of the new Ag Sciences Complex in 2017, Dr. Cole was approached and asked if he would like to donate to the building fund. After consideration, he chose a common student space on the third floor to be named the Dr. N. Andy Cole Collaboration Area.

“This was a way for me to give back to those who influenced me while at WT,” he says. “I was glad to have the opportunity to contribute to current students."

The professors Dr. Cole is referring to were Dr. Jimmie Green, Dr. Ron Thomason, and Dr. Donald Beerwinkle. Each encouraged Dr. Cole to pursue a master’s degree after his graduation from WT with a bachelor’s degree in animal science. He went on to complete his Ph.D. at Oklahoma State University with hopes of teaching at the collegiate level one day.

“Dr. Thomason’s weed class research project made me realize how much I loved the process,” says Dr. Cole.

Dr. Cole worked as a beef research nutritionist for 40 years at the Texas AgriLife Research Center in Bushland, Texas. In his retirement, he is writing articles related to the research he completed over his career and serves as a guest speaker in the industry.

“I do all of those things in my semi-retirement and try to get in a good golf game every once in a while,” he jokes.

In addition to the named space contributing to students’ education, the Cole Agriculture Scholarship established in 2005 has been awarded to 35 students for a total $24,576.

“Even with my scholarship and named space, there are investments that can be made in students outside of just monetary contributions. Time investments are just as, if not more, important in education,” he remarks.

A Moment With Mrs. Bachman

Pond's Ponder

“Do what you can,

with what you've got,

where you are.”

-Theodore Roosevelt

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Pond's Ponder

“Do what you can,

with what you've got,

﻿where you are.”

-Theodore Roosevelt

where you are.”