The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences would like to utilize the month of November to share acknowledgement and appreciation to those who give. This month we will focus on selected people, programs, and the places that contribute to our college community. We hope you'll enjoy reading as much as we enjoyed creating. | |
2022 First Choice Award Winners | |
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Each year, the Department of Agricultural Sciences recognizes individuals who may or may not be alumni of WT Ag. However, they are easily identified with WTAMU and are advocates for the department in their professional duties and community activities.
WT Ag is their first choice.
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Pictured left to right: Dr. Kevin Pond, Rhett Bain, Michael Bain, Stanley Schaeffer, Adam Bandy, Erin Viermann, Barbara Bain, Rori Phillips, Kristi Rigsby and Gary Hinders | |
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The Spirit of West Texas
First United Bank and its owners have provided multiple scholarships, professorships, and program support to WTAMU proving they abide by their motto. Chartered in 1907, First United Bank has expanded to 16 locations in the West Texas region. There are 17 named spaces and buildings around campus that First United Bank and its leadership members have supported. Aside from monetary giftings, the Bank has invested in students outside of the classroom. First United Bank hires WT Ag students and alumni and actively supports community activities including 4-H and FFA. It is impossible to look at WT and not see the spirit of First United Bank.
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Pictured left to right: Dr. Kevin Pond, Lauren Todd, Competitive Events Manager and David Kardosz, Board of Director and Executive Committee Member | |
For the past 16 years, Rodeo Austin has awarded numerous students with four-year renewable scholarships. In addition to their monetary contributions, Rodeo Austin offers multiple opportunities for students to participate in experiential learning roles. Their internship program during the livestock show has been popular with WT AG students in the past. Last year, Rodeo Austin and WT Ag's Meat Science program partnered to offer an annual Swine Skill-a-Thon for 4-H and FFA members across Texas. Additionally, the WTAMU Agriculture Education program has taken 25 students each year for 16 years to Rodeo Austin where they aid in show efforts and are able to experience competition from differing perspectives. | |
Pictured left to right: Maci Morrow (daughter), Dr. Chris Morrow, Jonas Morrow (son), wife Kristi Morrow and Dr. Kevin Pond | |
While in his practice as a clinic and mobile veterinarian, Dr. Morrow has been a consulting veterinarian for the Department of Agricultural Sciences for over 20 years. Understanding of the budget constraints in a university setting, he has performed services for little to no cost to the department. He has mentored over 100 pre-veterinary students enrolled at WT. Dr. Morrow has also served as a member of the WTAMU IACUC committee and the American Quarter Horse Association Research Committee. He has helped lead efforts in $200,000 in research funding for departmental programs. | |
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Pictured left to right: Dr. Kevin Pond, Ben Tyson (son), Mr. Trent Tyson, wife Jandi Tyson,
& Haddie Tyson (daughter)
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Mr. Trent Tyson ('99,'01) has been an active member of the Ag Development Association for 20 years. "Trent has been one of the most loyal and supportive members the ADA has ever had," the nomination letter reads. During his presidency and other leadership roles in the association, Tyson transformed Ag Day allowing WT Ag to expand its recruiting beyond the Texas Panhandle. Tyson now serves as the Senior Vice President and Branch Manager in Amarillo for Plains Land Bank. | |
The James A. "Buddy" Davidson Endowed Professorship in Wildlife Biology | |
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Dr. James Brad Johnson, Assistant Professor of Biology and
the James A. "Buddy" Davidson Endowed Professor in Wildlife Biology.
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The James A. "Buddy" Davidson Endowed Professorship in Wildlife Biology is celebrating its 10 year anniversary. It was established by the James A. "Buddy" Davidson Charitable Foundation to support faculty members with research activities and a hands-on teaching approach at West Texas A&M University in 2012. Mr. Davidson was a Texas businessman and attorney. From Midland, Texas originally, Mr. Davidson worked in various oil and gas companies. Throughout his career he made it a priority to seek out organizations to support. His charitable foundation is designed to contribute to organizations he wished to continue supporting. One area of passion included wildlife studies and the environment.
Since 2021, Dr. Brad Johnson, Assistant Professor of Biology, has served as the James A. "Buddy" Davidson Endowed Professor in Wildlife Biology. Under this professorship, Dr. Johnson has conducted research on predator-prey relationships of tadpoles and the behavioral ecology of fish. His current research focuses on hybridization issues in the Pecos Gambusia in New Mexico. Additionally, he is studying the frog pathogens in freshwater systems. Past recipients of this professorship are Dr. Ray Matlack (2013-2016) and Dr. Richard Kazmaier (2016-2019).
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The David Swinford Outdoor Classroom | |
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“I can’t think of anyone more supportive of higher education, specifically education of agriculture leaders of the future, than David,” said Ross Wilson, former president and CEO of Texas Cattle Feeders Association.
Originally from Dumas, Texas, David Swinford comes from a background in grain merchandising. In 1991, he began his first term as a Texas Legislator and served the Lone Star State until 2010. It was during this time he was able to make an impact not only on agriculture through policy but through supporting higher education, specifically WTAMU.
“During his tenure, David worked tirelessly to support WTAMU and agriculture producers in the High Plains region,” explained Wilson.
Before Representative Swinford was in office, WT had not seen a new building on campus in 20 years. He chaired committees where he was able to champion economic growth for the Texas Panhandle. He led the charge for funding the WTAMU Enterprise network. Additionally, he laid the groundwork for an agriculture education program. Swinford was a First Choice Award recipient in 2007. For the Department of Agricultural Sciences at WT, he was the go-to for any agriculture related policy and funding.
To honor his dedication and support for the Panhandle and WT Ag, several involved in the planning process for the Ag Sciences Complex felt it necessary to honor Mr. Swinford. The David Swinford Outdoor Classroom allows students and faculty a unique educational setting. Located near the Vernon Harman Courtyard, the outdoor classroom is also utilized during many outdoor events where students enjoy congregating.
“He is a gentleman in every sense of the word and a friend of agriculture,” said Wilson.
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John Phillip Notestine Scholarship | |
Darby Taylor is a senior Environmental Science major from Amarillo, Texas. She is a recipient of the John Phillip Notestine Scholarship. | |
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The John Phillip Notestine Scholarship was established in 2002 by Gail and John Notestine in honor of their son, Phillip, B.S. Geology('84).
Darby is a member of the Environmental Science Society and the Climate Science Society at WT. She also works as a lab assistant for Earth Science. After graduation, Darby plans to work full-time while pursuing a master's degree.
“Receiving this scholarship shows that WT is recognizing my efforts, and that is inspiring. Having some financial relief lightens my load. I am very thankful to the donors that have established this scholarship," says Taylor.
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Dr. David Miller Memorial Scholarship | |
Yessenia Palacio Saavedra is a senior majoring in Biology from Sunray, Texas. She is a recipient of the Dr. David Miller Memorial Scholarship. | |
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The Dr. David Miller Memorial Scholarship was established in 2000 by gifts from Mrs. Lydia Miller and friends and family of Dr. Miller to support students on a pre-medicine path.
Yessenia says her creative outlook has always been through the world of cosmetology. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school to pursue a career as an anesthesiologist.
“This scholarship has built financial stability in my education journey. What is most important is the contribution it has made to my personal development. It truly is an investment into my future, for which I am thankful,” says Saavedra.
She would like to thank donors for inspiring her to one day also give back to others as they have given to her.
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A Moment With Mrs. Bachman | |
Pond's Ponder
“We make a living by what we get,
we make a life by what we give.”
-Winston Churchill
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