Search committee named to find next West Texas A&M University president

CANYON, Texas (KVII) — The Texas A&M University System has named an 11-member committee to help lead a nationwide search for the next president of West Texas A&M University.

The system also retained Parker Executive Search to assist with recruiting and evaluating candidates.

Regent Randy Brooks will chair the search advisory committee, which includes another regent, WT faculty, staff and student representatives and business and community leaders from the Texas Panhandle.

“Our job is to find a president who understands that responsibility, respects the character of WT and has the experience and judgment to lead the university forward,” Brooks said in a statement.

The search follows WT President Walter Wendler’s announcement that he will retire Sept. 1 after 10 years leading the university.

Neil Terry, WT’s executive vice president and provost, will become interim president Sept. 1. Terry has said he will not seek the permanent position.

RELATED | Dr. Neil Terry named interim WT president amid lawsuits, museum dispute

Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar said the next president should focus on academic quality, affordability, career preparation and partnerships that benefit the Panhandle.

“WT’s next president must put students first and understand that the value of a university is measured by the opportunities it creates for its graduates and the service it provides to its region,” Hegar said.

The committee members are:

Regent Randy Brooks, committee chairRegent Sam TornAlex Fairly, founder and executive of The OccuNet CompanyState Rep. John Smithee, an attorney with Smithee Russell Law LLPBen Weinheimer, president and CEO of the Texas Cattle Feeders AssociationAngela Spaulding, WT vice president for research and compliance and dean of the Graduate SchoolEmily Hunt, dean of WT’s College of Engineering and associate vice president for innovation and researchAmmileigh Smith, WT student body presidentJohn Bassett, WT Staff Council president and assistant bursarAudrey Meador, Clair Mayes Professor of Mathematics and WT Faculty Advisory Council chairWade Shaffer, WT history professor and former provost and vice president for academic affairs

The committee will recruit and evaluate candidates before making recommendations to Hegar and the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.

Information about the position and the application and nomination process will be released as the search moves forward.