Size Matters
In 1976, at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, a young man came into my office with significant concerns. He was from a small town on Bayou Lafourche in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. It was not far from Houma and Thibodaux,ā¦
Category Faculty
Our Rural Communities
Rural folks produce the food, fuel and fiber that powers our state and nation. Texas dwarfs all other states in the nation in the number of beef cows produced, with over 4.6 million. Texas ranks fourth nationally in milk production,ā¦
Schools, Communities and A University
On Feb. 2, Bill Cofer, a retired Pampa business leader, committed a $1.5 million endowment to create a scholarship that will be given to students from White Deer and Pampa high schools in alternating years to attend West Texas A&Mā¦
WT Wants To Beat Any Offer
I have talked about the problem of student debt and have diligently worked for West Texas A&M University to be part of the solution to over-indebtedness. All the while, Texas is losing students to other states where out-of-state costs mayā¦
The Best Universities in the World
The challenges facing universities as we approach the mid-21st century are growing. Despite those challenges, United States institutions frequently top international rankings. And that perch reveals other nations aggressively mimicking our nation’s leaders. Competition is positive, and this is whyā¦
A Twenty-First Century Enlightenment University
To label West Texas A&M University, or any university, as a manifestation of American Enlightenment thinking might be seen as hyperbole or plain old bragging. However, it is worth reflecting on enlightenment principles to serve our region well. For nearlyā¦
Staying Close to Home
The season of decision-making for many college students is upon us. Applications have been prepared and sent to universities. Discussions with family and friends have been pursued. Assessments of costs, financial aid and scholarships are being deliberated. A major factorā¦
I Quit!
Fewer expressions bring greater disappointment, trepidation and remorse than “I quit.” Vince Lombardi helped create the anxiety of “I quit.” You know the quips: “Winners never quit, and quitters never win.” Or, how about this one “It’s not whether youā¦
Utility in Higher Education: The Doctorate
The worth of post-secondary education is increasingly questioned, according to Forbes. The return on investment of bachelorās degrees, masterās degrees and doctoral degrees are all the subject of much discussion. Many corporations no longer require a bachelorās degree: Apple, Google,ā¦
The Coming Year
Colleges and universities will face many challenges in 2023. Some are the same-oldāsame-old. Others are brand-new based on changing aspirations and perceptions of students, families, elected and appointed leaders and the world of employers. Institutions should increase niche market offerings.ā¦
A Personal Reflection for the Season
This reflection was originally published on December 15, 2008. It is refreshed and worth another look. Ā Christmas memories are personal, deep and important to me. My familyās New York Christmases, with their strong, first generational influence of Western Europe; Cajunā¦
Bureaucracy Does Not Equal Excellence
Originally penned in 2014, but some things just wonāt go away. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. No bureaucracy in public service or private enterprise ever starts out as anything but a step toward fairness and excellence,ā¦
Choosing a College
Originally written a decade ago (October 2013) but worth a second look, as the updated advice still has value. Many high school seniors are currently making important decisions about where to study next year. Itās the season when many soon-to-beā¦
Rugged Individualism ā Not a Dirty Word
Tenth and final in a series regarding Panhandle values and quality of life. Palo Duro Canyon and the challenging, unforgivingly stingy, unceasingly crusty regional geography drive people to band together into groups. It’s the Panhandle’s nature. In contrast to theā¦
Thanksgiving 2022
When confronted with challenging times like ours, it is easy to lose heart, appreciation, gratefulness and admirationāin a word, thanksgivingāfor the people and places we call home. Our University has been fortunate to have many distinguished leaders. One of thoseā¦
Panhandle Loyalty
Ninth in a series regarding Panhandle values and quality of life. This reflection is modified but was initially posted on March 6, 2021.Ā In traveling the Texas Panhandle, I sensed in many communities a genuine, thoughtful loyalty to people andā¦
Faith and Its Value to the Panhandle
Eighth in a series regarding Panhandle values and quality of life. In his 1893 essay, “The Significance of the Frontier in American History,” Frederick J. Turner recognizes the importance of faith and revivalism in America’s westward expansion in the 19th-century.ā¦
Private and Civic Virtue
Seventh in a series regarding Panhandle values and quality of life. From a reflection almost two years ago, the following was noted: The Carson County Courthouse is the hub of Carson County in Panhandle, Texas, representative of many Panhandle courthouses.ā¦
Family and Regional Economic Impacts
Fourth in a series regarding Panhandle values and quality of life. All universities have an economic impact on the regions and communities in which they are located. University education is a combined public and private good, benefiting everyone in theā¦
Regard for Others
Third in a series regarding Panhandle values and quality of life. Social groups, from two people to two million, are joined together by earnestly regarding others. As old as humanity, this natural law is infused in the hearts of Panhandleā¦
The Value of Hard Work
Second in a series regarding Panhandle values and quality of life. Hard work is a well-understood value in many places. West Texas A&M University appreciates its’ import. In the Texas Panhandle, it’s a fact of life. Diane Meyer claims hardā¦
Authentic Life Experience
The enrollment challenges that universities face in the coming decade will be assigned to the enduring impact of COVID-19. While part of emerging trends, it’s not the complete ledger. Birthrates are down nationally, as is college readiness. In Texas, 90%ā¦
Student Debt
The following is comprised of quotes from previously published reflections regarding student debt. Ā For 15 years, I have written about the consequences students face when over borrowing. There are no silver bullets. What will reduce indebtedness? Personal and corporate responsibilityāexercisedā¦
Mental Toughness and Tenacity
Oxford Reference defines mental toughness: A quality of mind or intellect characterized by, among other things, a refusal to be intimidated, a determination to finish a contest even when things are going badly, and an ability to control emotions andā¦
Student Life, Student Leadership and Student Citizenship
First in a series of reflections on student life at West Texas A&M University. The core function of any University is to satisfy student aspirations for a rewarding professional and personal life. As University leaders, we recognize there is noā¦
Aspirations: One Step at a Time
West Texas A&M University has recently deepened its partnership with our region’s community colleges and is committed to engaging rural areas with smaller populations. In addition, we are working with business and industry leaders to create more commerce that attractsā¦
Micromanagement
This reflection was originally posted on March 26, 2013. It is worth another look. Real leadership liberates, never limits: it unleashes people to work with passion. Effective universities recognize that strength in academic programs exists on the ground, with engagedā¦
Our Universities: Iām Ashamed
This reflection was originally posted on November 2, 2011. I think our faculty, staff, students and administration at WT are making great strides towards a performance culture. I am proud to be associated with this institution. We aspire to theā¦
Ists, Isms and Free Will
In the following reflection, historical quotes use the word āman.ā I understand the utilization of “man” as indicative of all human beings. Racism is a sin against God. It’s abhorrent. On April 6, West Texas A&M University held its annualā¦
Open Letter to High School Class of 2022
Originally published over a decade ago in the Chicago Tribune (May 17, 2012), but updated here. Dear Graduating Senior, I am begging your pardon for a somber reflection amidst the joy of the near completion of high school ā notā¦
Philanthropy ā Scholarships
Second in a series on philanthropy in higher education Scholarships have always been central in higher education philanthropy. As costs for higher education, both public and private, increase, the impact and importance of student financial support have escalated. Over theā¦
Student-Athletes and Family Life
Fourth in a series on Intercollegiate Athletics. Jerry Kill was Southern Illinois Universityās (SIU) football coach from 2001 until 2007, during the same time President Wendler was SIUās Chancellor. Recruiting student-athletes was one of Coach Killās greatest strengths. He toldā¦
Town-Gown Relationships
Ā This is the third piece, published in November 2017, after I arrived in Canyon. Relationships with communities is as important now, as it was then. Communities and the universities they host are married to each other. When one partner growsā¦
First-Generation College Students
In continuation of sharing the first four reflections published in November 2017, this is the second piece I wrote after my arrival at WT. In 1769, Charles Thompson received financial aid from John Hobbsās widow to study the ministry atā¦
Student Debt and Our National Economy
Sixth in a series on student educational debt. Ā The decision to borrow in pursuit of a college education is personal, but 45 million borrowers eventually impact the U.S. economy and therefore every American. The after-effects are persistent and pervasive, andā¦
Coming from Behind
Fifth in a series on student educational debt. There is something powerful about coming from behindābeing an underdog. Students who are first-in-family to attend college, single parents, the offspring of immigrants or students of diverse backgrounds whose parents may haveā¦
The Creation of a Middle Class
Fourth in a series on student educational debt. This column was penned in August 2008āit is slightly modified here. It was a reasonable observation then. It has more weight a decade and a half later as the increasing debt burdensā¦
College Debt and Single Parents
Third in a series on student educational debt. While indebtedness for a college education can be debilitating for many, it can be especially crippling to single parents. For instance, one 48-year-old single mom has a cumulative debt of $430,000 forā¦
Student Debt: A National, State, Institutional or Personal Problem
Second in a series on student educational debt. Nearly everyone looks at student debt as a national problem. āTrue ādat,ā as they say in South Louisiana, but it must be viewed from the state, institutional and personal level simultaneously. Hereā¦
Prognostication and Prescription: A Wrap-up and Look Ahead
Expect several changes in higher education to intensify in 2022. Families and students should look for universities that willingly respond to a changing world: a triangle of triage is at work. Enrollment at regional universities has been a challenge thisā¦
The Debt Debacle
First in a series on student educational debt. Over the past decade, I have routinely reflected on the dilemma of student debt. Topics such as the educational indebtedness of Social Security recipients, the role of personal responsibility in accrued debt,ā¦
Happy Now
The anthem of the Rolling Stones and the genesis of the British invasion, ā(I Canāt Get No) Satisfaction,ā moaned in depressingly plain language that āsatisfactionā was impossible. The students of the 1960s loved it. Millennials and post-millennials question a newā¦
Sparks of Liberty
From their earliest inception, universities in the United States have burned bright with fires fueled, thoughtful opportunity fanned into flames, creating a stronger, more robust, free society. These fires were built to recognize that individuals, a collection of selfās, wouldā¦
A Plan for One
As seniors in high school contemplate graduation at the end of the school year, their possibilities are nearly endlessāno matter a studentās class rank or personal opportunities and challenges faced, are facing or will soon face. Configuring the post-high schoolā¦
Regional Universities in TransitionāA Few Propositions
Higher education is changing remarkably in response to digitization, demographics, and increasingly diverse market forces. Smaller public and private regional universities that educate half the nation’s students will likely be challenged in the future. Those that don’t adapt will falterā¦
Navigating an Impossible DistanceāEighteen Inches
Originally published December 11, 2011, in the Chicago Tribuneāslight modifications have been made. As we start the school year, amid a storm of moral relativism, fear and doubt, this may be as appropriate for the autumn and the start ofā¦
Cost/Quality Differentials, Online/On-Campus Study
Ā This reflection represents a collaborative effort with the Executive Vice President and Provost, Dr. Neil Terry, and myself to communicate cost and quality differentials for on-campus and online study at West Texas A&M University.Ā It was first published on Augustā¦
Student Debt
Originally published December 4, 2017. While some specifics have changed and some data has been updated, the general ideas are more important than they were in 2017 as students prepare to enter college in 2021, a time unlike any other.ā¦
Universities Are Businesses
Originally published March 18, 2014. While some specifics have changed, the general ideas are more important than they were in 2014. Ā Good universities take risks because they must change.Ā New ideas are risky business. Risk and progress are siblings. And donātā¦
Student Leadership
In the coming weeks, I will share a few pieces from the past with slight modifications. This piece was originally posted March 30, 2015. Overwhelmingly, the more thanĀ 7,000 state lawmakersĀ nationwide attended and graduated from public universities. Again overwhelmingly, these electedā¦
Teaching Excellence with Legs
In the coming weeks, I will share a few pieces from the past with slight modifications. This piece was originally posted August 19, 2010. Some things change little in a decade.Ā The purpose of any university is to help peopleā¦
Organizational Change and Urgency
The rate of change required to sustain organizations in post-COVID-19 America is extraordinary. Things were tough in the ’90s, but a “walk in the park” compared to the past 18 months. John P. Kotter opined in a 1995 Harvard Businessā¦
A Strong Sense of Self
Self-reliance, free will, critical thinking and control over oneās destiny are the essence of human purposeāa nearly valiant purposeāin achieving satisfaction following accomplishment. This is not to be confused with selfishness. Universities should help students mobilize these resources powered byā¦
Individuals and Regional Reality
Regions breed individuals with some common traits that generally represent all. People generate an identity, whereāsubject to environmental conditions, personal predilections, and aspirations of heart and soul, they have a shared experience and perspective. Regions in a state or nationā¦
Texas’ Most Conservative 21st-Century Public University
Texas’ Most Conservative 21st-Century Public University The Texas Panhandle owns a value system that serves as a benchmark for many of its citizens, even in its imperfection. And this region is WT’s home. Former University President Joseph A. Hill illuminatedā¦
The Core of the University Experience
The Core Curriculum at universities (not to be confused with “Common Core“), sometimes called general education requirement, is determined by faculty and legislative leadership. Unfortunately, some students, parents, and even faculty and university leaders see these courses as what aā¦
Strength and Value in Regional Universities
Texas SB1295 recognizes the need for financial support and incentives for comprehensive regional universities that meet performance targets. Itās on the way to Governor Abbottās desk. In all its forms, post-secondary education is a powerful force in improving job opportunities,ā¦
University Leadership
Walter Wendler, West Texas A&M University President and John Sharp, The Texas A&M University System Chancellor Sixth in a series on Regional Universities Some university leaders have had a transformative impact on their institutions and, in turn, the larger community.ā¦
A Tale of Two Cities, Two Universities, Two Regions
Walter Wendler, West Texas A&M University President and John Sharp, The Texas A&M University System Chancellor Fifth in a series on Regional Universities. Universities have significant economic impacts on the cities and regions in which they are located. The sizeā¦
Texas’ Regional Universities: Place, People, Purpose, Performance
Walter Wendler, West Texas A&M University President and John Sharp, The Texas A&M University System Chancellor Fourth in a series on Regional Universities. The location of any University, its place, is important for every institution. For a comprehensive regional universityā¦
Regional Universities ā Our Students
Walter Wendler, West Texas A&M University President and John Sharp, The Texas A&M University System Chancellor Third in a series on Regional Universities. Comprehensive Regional Universities (CRU) are the quiet centerpiece of the Texas higher education constellation. Often founded asā¦
Regional Empowerment
Walter Wendler, West Texas A&M University President and John Sharp, The Texas A&M University System Chancellor Second in a series on Regional Universities. Borrowing from a working paper, “A Regional Research University” West Texas A&M University’s commitment is to serveā¦
Regional Universities ā System Membership
Walter Wendler, West Texas A&M University President and John Sharp, The Texas A&M University System Chancellor First in a Series on Regional Universities Regional universities in the U.S. educate 70% of the nearly 17 million students pursuing an undergraduate degreeā¦
Rogers LEAD WT:Ā A Leading Learning Laboratory
Modified from a column published onĀ October 25, 2015 Organizations train leaders, for better or worse.Ā Various enterprisesĀ are hotbeds for positive leadership training: manufacturing, public service, retail, professional services and universities provide examples. Effective leadership causes people to change their perspective, beā¦
Big Ideas in the Texas Panhandle
Seventh in a series on the Heart and Soul of the Texas Panhandle West Texas A&M University is focused on big ideas. Communities of the Texas Panhandle sharpen this focus. The Panhandle is a big place, with challenges and opportunitiesā¦
Rugged Individualism
Third in a series on the Heart and Soul of the Texas Panhandle The concept of belonging to something larger than self in the Texas Panhandle and the power of sustaining oneself, family and extended community is as old asā¦
Homeschooling 2021
As the impact of COVID-19 grows with corresponding actions that limited or halted face-to-face instruction in public schools across the nation and world, many parents opted into homeschooling. Homeschooling is not a new phenomenon in America, but the trend acceleratedā¦
Rural Students
Reading the Chronicle of Higher Education on January 6, 2021, I came across an advertising banner that gave me pause. It read, āA College Lifeline: Higher Education for incarcerated and rural students – and why it matters.ā I downloaded thisā¦
Trends in Graduate Education
Seventh in a series on COVID-19 and studying in spring 2021 In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, graduate students previously enrolled or contemplating spring 2021 enrollment should be aware of significant trends. Nationally, students wrestle with costs and benefitsā¦
Purpose and Place
Sixth in a series on COVID-19 and studying in Spring 2021 Originally published on September 29, 2018, slightly modified here The roots of higher education in the United States are knotted into purpose and place.Ā From a functional standpoint, almost allā¦
Five Cost Lowering New Yearās Resolutions for 2021
Fifth in a series on COVID-19 and studying in spring 2021 Originally published on December 31, 2013, and slightly modified here Ā As the effects of COVID-19 impact nearly every decision made regarding long-term investments, a college education is no exception.ā¦
A Personal Reflection for the Season
Fourth in a series on COVID-19 and studying in spring 2021 Originally published on December 15, 2008, and a few times since thenāit may have value as we look forward to the spring of 2021, a spring like no otherā¦
Campus LifeāSpring 2021
Third in a series on COVID-19 and studying in Spring 2021 Provisions are being made for students, faculty, and staff to return to West Texas A&M University this spring. Beginning last summer, to meet diverse needs of faculty and students,ā¦
The CARES Act in the Coming Spring
Second in a series on COVID-19 and studying in Spring 2021 The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was instituted to provide assistance to individuals and families suffering through the economic trials of COVID-19. I will not rehearseā¦
Universities and Responsibility
Originally published April 13, 2015, and modified for another look. Universities and the people and organizations that support them require the exercise of free will that promotes personal and shared responsibility. Responsibility is the nucleus of Adam Smithās Theory ofā¦
The Anatomy of a Complex DecisionĀ
West Texas A&M University will host a virtual graduation in December ā a decision reached only after much discussion and heartfelt deliberations. Details regarding the event will be released soon. I know that many faculty, staff, students and families willā¦
Aspire
Seventh and final in a series of how universities can help build character. The character of a university, or any organization, comes from vision and mission cemented by distinguishing core values. West Texas A&M University has identified six core values:Ā ā¦
Engagement
Sixth in a series of how universities can help build character. The idea of engagement carries with it a number of meanings. At a state-supported institution, we have a responsibility to promote effective citizenship. A citizen belongs to something largerā¦
Respect
Fifth in a series of how universities can help build character. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. If you hummed that along in your head, you probably know where this is going. Respect is a commodity. It is traded like baseball cards. It’s a giveā¦
Pragmatism
Third in a series of how universities can help build character. WT values the practical framing of intellectual work. Being pragmatic does not mean big ideas or the big picture are avoided. When carried out faithfully, being pragmatic is aā¦
Service
Second core value in a series regarding character Service presents itself in many ways at public universities. Members of university communities understand the three-legged stool of responsible teaching, scholarly work and service. I recently reflected on the power of customerā¦
Academic Freedom
Core Value One Second in a series of how universities can help build character. Academic freedom is a defining core value at WT. Last week the U.S. Department of Education tried to clarify a burgeoning cadre of rules and regulationsā¦
Culture and Energy on Campus
Seventh in a series on the reopening of West Texas A&M University in the midst of COVID-19 Written a number of years ago and updated for its value as we return to campus. A culture is created and sustained byā¦
Life on Campus
Second in a series on the reopening of West Texas A&M University in the midst of COVID-19. A valuable part of attending a university for many college students, particularly those in their late teens or early 20s, is the experienceā¦
Strength of Working Together Overcomes Fear
First in a series on the reopening of West Texas A&M University in the midst of COVID-19. In the coming weeks, I will address a number of issues regarding our return to campusāthings such as residential life, classroom and communityā¦
The New Normal
The concept of ānew normalā is wearisome. Enterprises of every kind falter assuming there was an old normal. Normalcy is an innovation-robbing concept. In February, I reflected on demographics and their impact on shaping a regional research university like Westā¦
Customer Service
People working in higher education, whether in the classroom, research lab, dance studio, library, and various business support offices or even maintaining buildings and grounds, are all involved in customer service. Many resist seeing students as customers; however, students payā¦
A Well Knitted University
West Texas A&M University is becoming a regional research university. Defined in WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World,Ā it means in part, āOur focus will be on community life, schools in rural settings, enriched enterprise, beef, rural healthā¦
The Crisis and Purposeful People
Excellent staff are important at any time in the life of any enterprise. In a crisis, purposeful people, excellent people, allow organizations to thrive. I didnāt say survive because many organizations will whimper out of the COVID-19 doghouse and simplyā¦
Considering College ā Field of Dreams: Gruver, Texas
Eleventh in a series on what to look for in college. Looking for a college? Gruver, Texas, can teach us something. A small but remarkable community in Hansford County, Gruver is home to about 1,200 souls. The community wanted toā¦
Who Are They, and What Do They Want?
This was originally released in September 2014.Ā Given the challenges that universities are facing with the COVID-19 pandemic that may extend well into the future, the times are a barometer of purpose.Ā I walked into a room full ofā¦
The Middle Class Stretched Thin
In January 2019 the median household income in the United States was $63,688, a 0.3% increase over the December 2018 estimate. The growth rate of the median household income is substantial; however, according to Seeking Alpha, purchasing power for certainā¦
Demographics Shape Universities
The U.S. birth rate is at its lowest recorded level. Since the 2008 economic recession, fertility rates have decreased by nearly 20%. The population of students for universities to draw from is shrinking. At the same time, the age ofā¦
Why do students go to college?
I will not pretend to know the answer to this question for every individual; however, two ideas are repeatedly reinforced to me. First, students are interested in getting a job. A university that neglects this will falter. Second, students areā¦
Intercollegiate Athletics
No matter the size of the university or college, its mission, its status as public or private, flagship or regional, intercollegiate athletics plays an important role in how the institution is perceived. For almost 150 years, intercollegiate athletics has createdā¦
University Realities for 2020
Universities face issues spawned during the past half-century that will cripple effectiveness if unaddressed. The standing and ranking perception of campuses will always be important. The best campuses will attend to excellence in teaching and scholarly work, affordability and rigorousā¦
