T E X A S
The musical drama T E X A S is in its 57th summer season. The play attracts people from around our state, nation, and world since it began in 1965. āThe Canyon” is the single most visited park in Texas.ā¦
Category Students
Cynicism and Higher Education
Over the past decade, several concerns have caused people to question the value of a college education. A New America study in 2022 revealed there are “lots of well-paying, stable jobs that people can find with only a high schoolā¦
The University of a World in Flux
The early part of the 21st century has rapidly shown us much about our changing world. It has taught us that the 20th century problem-solving models will not suffice in the new era. As a professor and leader at fourā¦
Consideration of Race in College Admissions
A general, misbegotten perception that all universities are, or should be, alike pervades society. Nothing could be further from the truth. Such treatment diminishes the purpose of many universities. Rather, it is critically important to recognize different institutions have differentā¦
Performance follows People not Processes
Large organizations can exploit size to create an economy of scale. It is singularly, the best argument for bigness.Ā This may be true when making automobiles, electric coffee pots, shoes, or growing corn or wheat.Ā In human service organizations, andā¦
Regional Universities ā Powerhouses for Growth
Sixth and final in a series on strengths of regional universities Regional universities are associated with the places in Texas that produce the food, fuel and fiber that nourish, power and clothe our state and nation. They frequently serve ruralā¦
Expectations As Students Apply For University Study
Fifth in a series on strength in regional universities While it is impossible to catalog all of the expectations that any university has for applicants, there are some general considerations that all students should consider if college is in theirā¦
Distinctive College Preparation
Fourth in a series on strengths in regional universities. The nature of university students is changing. According to the Education Data Initiative, nearly 16 million undergraduate students are enrolled in college as of 2020. That represents a 4.3% decline overā¦
Strength from Standards
Third in a series on strengths in regional universities. University admission standards have been a bone of contention in higher education for nearly two centuries. Before the progressive movement in the United States, admission to public and private universities wasā¦
Our Regional Strength: Who We Are
Second in a series on strengths in regional universities. The following quote was posted regarding a class I taught in 2015: I teach in a classroom that has students from Nepal, Benin, Moscow, Vietnam, and China, as well as first-generationā¦
The First Strength of a Public University: Integrity
First in a series on strength in regional universities. The quality of universities in America was considered the best in the world just a decade ago, according to the New York Times. Quality comes from the relationship of the universityā¦
Research Funding and Value
The following reflection is one of six focusing on the importance of university research initially posted a decade ago. The following, modified modestly here, appeared on January 8, 2012. Sixth in a Series on Research Escalating financial exigency increasingly encouragesā¦
Roots of a University
The following reflection is the third of six pieces focusing on the importance of university research. This series was initially posted a decade ago. The following, modified modestly here, appeared on December 4, 2012. Third in a Series on Researchā¦
Intent and Research at WT
The following reflection is the second of six pieces focusing on the importance of university research. This series was initially posted a decade ago. The following, modified modestly here, appeared on November 27, 2012. Second in a Series on Researchā¦
Creating Hope with Veterans
West Texas A&M University walks with veterans to create a better University and a better Panhandle. While serving all students is in our heart and soul, there is a special place for veterans. They have put their lives on theā¦
Enrollment and a Sense of Urgency
A study of West Texas A&M University’s economic impact in 2017-2018 was carried out by Emsi, a labor market analytics firm that has in the last 20 years conducted 2,000 economic impact studies. They are national leaders. WT’s contribution toā¦
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¦
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¦
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¦
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¦
University Costs and the National Picture
As social attitudes and perspectives, ebb and flow universities are impacted and in some cases become barometers for measuring change and even predicting it. Fitch Ratings ā Chicago/New York in a September 19, 2022 report predicts that enrollment trends willā¦
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¦
Compatriotism and Patriotism Ā
Sixth in a series regarding Panhandle values and quality of life. This reflection is modified but was initially posted in February 2021. The concept ofĀ patriotism is recognized as love or devotion to one’s country. I believe patriotism is cultivated fromā¦
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¦
Strong Student, Strong Leader
Seventh and final in a series of reflections on student life at West Texas A&M University. Over the past six weeks, we have addressed many issues regarding the University’s responsibility to engage students in leadership experiences. The value of leadershipā¦
Student Leadership Experiences Help Build Strong Families
Sixth in a series of reflections on student life at West Texas A&M University. Historically, leadership was naturally developed in the home. Families had a built-in leadership structure. As the family structures have broken down, natural leadership factories have alsoā¦
College Leadership Experiences Prepare Students for Communities and Commerce
Fifth in a series of reflections on student life at West Texas A&M University. Ā According to Forbes, leaders lead everywhere they go, not solely in industries. Universities should be developing leaders who solve the problems that challenge our communities. Anā¦
The First Beneficiary of Leadership Experiences is the Student
Fourth in a series of reflections on student life at West Texas A&M University. One of the critical aspects of student life on a university campus is for students to become accustomed to, comfortable with and appreciative of the powerā¦
Retention, Persistence, Student Life
Third in a series of reflections on student life at West Texas A&M University. Of all the issues challenging students in pursuit of undergraduate degrees in universities across the nation, the most important is retention. Retention measures the number ofā¦
Foundation for a Fulfilling College Experience
Second in a series of reflections on student life at West Texas A&M University. For students to engage in a rewarding and complete campus experience, little is more important than the foundation laid in the first year. Many universities haveā¦
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¦
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¦
Philanthropy ā The Value of Campaigns
Fifth and final in a series on philanthropy in higher education Campaigns have become the staple of most non-profit fundraising. The first fundraising campaign in the United States is believed to have taken place in 1641 when Harvard College representativesā¦
How I Spent My Summer Vacation
Previously published but updated here as the council is still worthwhile.Ā High School Graduates ā Soon, millions of people like you, full of hope and anticipation, will transition from high school to college. Privilege may have provided engaged deliberative parentingā¦
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 – Why People Give
Fourth in a series on philanthropy in higher education Philanthropy is essential to all universities, especially public regional research universities. Donor giving demonstrates commitment and allows the joining of hands with institutional leaders, faculty, staff and students to pursue ideas,ā¦
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¦
A Texas Athletic Conference
Sixth and final in a series on Intercollegiate Athletics. Texas is home to 25 Division I athletics programs ranging in size from Texas A&M University (big) to Houston Baptist University (small). Nine football teams compete at the Football Championship Subdivisionā¦
A Fresh Form of Intercollegiate Athletics
Fifth in a series on Intercollegiate Athletics. Texas has 53 colleges and universities competing in three National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) divisions. These institutions belong to 11 different conferences comprised of many out-of-state members from coast to coast andā¦
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¦
Intercollegiate Athletic Organizations
Third in a series on Intercollegiate Athletics. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is big (720 full-time employees and $1.06 billion in annual revenue). For decades the weight of dense bureaucracy and its impact on millions of intercollegiate athletes andā¦
Student-Athletes
Second in a series on Intercollegiate Athletics. The significant changes being thrust upon college athletics in recent months have markedly reshaped the concept of student-athletes. Or have they? Ronald A. Smithās The Myth of the Amateur reveals that James Hogan,ā¦
Campus Life
The fourth and final piece from November 2017. A thriving campus is of vital importance at WT, a vision I had when I first arrived and one that is still at the forefront. Every spring, countless families from across theā¦
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¦
WT and a Master Plan
-Buff courts under construction, looking north- In the coming weeks, I will publish the first four reflections posted in November 2017 after arriving at WT. I started this process to share thoughts about WT, our purpose and our passions. Iā¦
Twenty-First Century Intercollegiate Athletics
First in a series on Intercollegiate Athletics. The impact of intercollegiate athletics on universities and colleges around our nation is undeniable. More than 460,000 students compete in intercollegiate athletics, the vast majority using their athletic ability to help fund, inā¦
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¦
Educational Debt in Various Communities
Fourth in a series on student educational debt. Upon completing baccalaureate and professional degrees, student indebtedness varies markedly across various races, ethnic groups, family income levels, whether or not students are first-in-family to attend college and the geographic region orā¦
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¦
The Finish Line: Retention and Persistence
One of the negative impacts of the pandemic on universities is the significant increase in undergraduates who drop out or āstop outā whilst pursuing academic degrees. Two important progress indicators, retention and persistence, are frequently confused. Retention tallies the numberā¦
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¦
Faith on the University Campus
Originally published on December 4, 2009, as the first in a series of thoughts regarding the intersection of faith and reason in university life. Slight modifications are made here. In this age of shifting morality and the seeming absence 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¦
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¦
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¦
Scholarship Support for College Students
In the Texas Panhandle, self-reliance, a sense of control for personal destiny and a commitment to hard work governs and guides. There is an abiding belief that this cord of three strands is strong and presents the opportunity for aā¦
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¦
A Pandemic of Process Does Not Lead to Excellence
Originally posted on July 8, 2014, tuned up, and worth a second look nearly a decade later. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.Ā No bureaucracy in public service or private enterprise ever starts out as anything but aā¦
How I Spent My Summer Vacation
Previously published but updated here as the council is still worthwhile.Ā High School Graduates ā In a few months, millions of people like you, full of hope and anticipation, will transition from high school to college. Privilege may have providedā¦
Open Letter to High School Class of 2021Ā
Previously published but updated here. What a year. Old council sometimes retains its value. Dear Graduating Senior, I am begging your pardon for a somber reflection amidst the joy of the near completion of high school ā not to beā¦
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¦
