Dean’s Message
I
t is hard to believe that a year has gone by since I took the reins from Dr. Jim Clark. Even though time seems to fly by faster with each passing year, we are making the most of it. Enrollment in the College continues to set the pace for the University and is a huge bright spot that is the envy of others both on and off campus (see page 12). The Department of Agricultural Sciences has led the way and is a perfect example of how a terrific faculty, with outstanding alumni support, dedicated to attracting, retaining and educating students should work. The department has also attracted new faculty members that will continue to build the legacy of excellence in teaching, research and service. A new faculty chair position in cow/calf management has been established with a generous pledge ($1.5 million) from an anonymous foundation that will allow us to serve an important segment of Texas Panhandle agriculture that we have not had the resources to serve in the past. We expect to have a faculty member named to that chair by the beginning of the fall semester. We will also be welcoming back Mallory Vestal to our agriculture business and economics program as soon as she finishes her doctorate at Oklahoma State. She will be a huge asset to that program. David Parker is rejoining the University as the Primary Investigator of the Core Lab Facility. This position will provide support for research University wide, and agriculture will certainly benefit from it. Lal Almas is in Azerbaijan (how many of you know where that is) on a Fulbright Fellowship teaching agricultural business and economics at their university. The Fullbright program is one of the most prestigious honors a faculty member can receive, and we are very proud of Lal (see page 8). Lance Kieth has been chosen to head the University’s student leadership program. Lance brings a world of experience and enthusiasm to that program and the entire University will benefit from his appointment. He will lead this program along with continuing his duties in the department (see page 7). Tim Bynum, our college development officer has done an outstanding job in helping Hawkins and I with fundraising for various projects. In these days of tight budgets and reductions in support at both the state and federal levels, fundraising is the only way we can continue to thrive. Our students continue to represent us well in all types of competition and are a real source of pride for all of us. Our research programs continue to bring value to agriculture in the Texas Panhandle and beyond, and our faculty members are working hard to provide the region with answers to questions that will keep us in a competitive position. By any measure, we are doing extremely well. On a personal note, I want to thank everyone who supported me and my family during the past few months as we have dealt with the loss of our youngest son. Your friendship, sympathy, support and donations in his name have been overwhelming. When we moved back to the High Plains almost 15 years ago, the decision to leave a major land-grant university was due in large part to the people in this region. You have proven that I made a wise choice. Thanks to each and every one of you. Go Buffs!!
Don R. Topliff Dean and Professor College of Agriculture, Science and Engineering
wtamu.edu/agriculture