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As West Texas A&M University’s historic One West campaign enters its fourth month, it already is surpassing expectations in some key areas.
Since September, WT’s number of endowed professorships has virtually doubled, from 25 before the campaign launched to 49 as the spring 2022 semester is about to open.
That far exceeds a goal of adding four endowed positions annually that was set out in the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.
“Our goal in the One West campaign is to support people because in the end, higher education contributes to active and engaged individuals,” said WT President Walter V. Wendler. “At WT, our focus is on the University family of faculty, staff and students. These professorships demonstrate an appreciation for and an understanding of excellence in the work of faculty. They are game-changers for West Texas A&M University.”
The historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign fuels the mission set out in WT 125. To date, about $85 million has been raised.
“By establishing endowed professorships and chairs, we are better able to support our outstanding faculty and attract talented new scholars and teachers,” said Dr. Todd Rasberry, vice president for philanthropy and external relations. “And the number and amount of scholarship dollars is essential for WT to prepare more students for the workforce and to become leaders across the Panhandle region and the world.”
Those 24 new professorships represent a minimum of $3 million in new donations to the WTAMU Foundation.
Sixty percent of the $125 million One West goal is dedicated to professorships and scholarships.
Since the campaign launched, gifts to WT also have provided two new chair positions and have allowed for a 31 percent increase in program funding.
Plus, more than 100 new student scholarship funds have been established, a 14.5 percent increase.
Named scholarship funds are established upon a minimum $25,000 gift. Professorships are established following a minimum $125,000 endowment, and distinguished professorships require a minimum $300,000 endowment. Chairs can be established following a minimum $1.25 million donation, and distinguished chairs can be named following a minimum $2.5 million gift.
“Every gift, no matter the level, ultimately will help us reach our goal of raising $125 million to secure and enhance WT’s future,” Rasberry said. “But it’s especially gratifying to see that our donors agree that the campaign’s top priority is in focusing on the people who make up the WT family.”
-West Texas A&M University