News Summary
West Texas A&M University has initiated a new leadership program and established the Hill Institute to promote traditional values in education. The Rogers LEAD WT Program focuses on hands-on leadership skills, while the Hill Institute aims to integrate core values into the university’s academic framework through various programming. Addressing concerns regarding its nonpartisan nature, WTAMU is committed to cultivating dynamic leaders grounded in enduring principles that benefit the wider community.
West Texas A&M University Launches Leadership Program and Hill Institute
Amarillo, Texas – West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) has initiated a new leadership program alongside the establishment of the Hill Institute to promote traditional values within its educational framework. This dual initiative highlights the university’s commitment to developing competent leaders and reinforcing core values in academic pursuits.
Leadership Program Cultivates Future Leaders
The Rogers LEAD WT Program is spearheaded by WTAMU, designed to enhance leadership skills among students through a hands-on approach. Established in 2012, the program emphasizes coursework, service projects, internships, networking, and public speaking as key components of leadership development. Mary Ivey, the newly elected student body president, shared her enthusiasm for public speaking, which she believes will enable her to better connect with peers and serve her community effectively.
Mary Ivey’s journey to WTAMU was not a consideration during her high school years at Southside High School. However, after being exposed to the university during a 2022 trip to Texas for the National Little Britches Rodeo Queen run, she was drawn to WTAMU’s robust agricultural program and its welcoming atmosphere. Now, as an active member of the university’s Greek life and a participant in the Rogers LEAD WT Program, Ivey exemplifies the type of well-rounded leader the program aims to produce.
Her involvement in student government began as a Greek life representative during her sophomore year, and she has since embraced various leadership roles. Ivey’s campaign for student body president provided her with invaluable lessons in delegation and teamwork, which she plans to leverage in her future endeavors. Despite initial uncertainties regarding her college path, Ivey now feels fulfilled and empowered, looking forward to making impactful changes for her fellow students.
Establishment of the Hill Institute
In addition to the leadership program, WTAMU launched the Hill Institute on May 20, 2023. The initiative, named after Joseph A. Hill, the university’s longest-serving president, was established with a generous $20 million donation from Alex and Cheryl Fairly. The Hill Institute aims to integrate ten core values—trust, family life, hard work, regard for others, personal responsibility, compatriotism, patriotism, virtue, faith, loyalty, and rugged individualism—into the educational framework of WTAMU.
WT President Walter V. Wendler underscored the significance of grounding intellectual and educational endeavors in these values, emphasizing their role in shaping responsible citizens. The Hill Institute will offer programming across various disciplines while striving to reconnect academic learning with moral foundations.
Steered by a board of directors comprising prominent figures in education and public policy, the Hill Institute is intended to serve as a guiding force in the university’s strategic vision. It seeks to support the long-term mission of WTAMU by enriching the educational landscape through values-based initiatives.
Addressing Concerns and Future Activities
Despite the promising vision laid out by the Hill Institute, concerns have emerged regarding potential political affiliations and the influence these may have on academic freedom. WT officials emphasize that the initiative is nonpartisan and remains focused on reinforcing educational values rather than promoting specific political agendas.
The inaugural public lecture for the Hill Institute is scheduled for this fall, featuring discussions on the role of values within a constitutional republic. This event will mark the beginning of the institute’s programming and its ongoing commitment to fostering a principled academic environment.
With these initiatives, West Texas A&M University aims to cultivate a generation of dynamic leaders while grounding their education in enduring principles that benefit the larger community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Taurean York Emerges as NFL Draft Contender
Texas A&M Coach Denounces Controversial Defensive Motto
Texas A&M Football Program Undergoes Revitalization
Texas A&M Softball Strengthens Pitching Staff with Transfer
College Station ISD Board Finalizes 2025-26 Budget with Deficit
Joyce University Expands Nursing Programs to Texas
Major Airstrikes Target Iran’s Nuclear Facilities
Celebrating George H. W. Bush’s 101st Birthday in College Station
University Gears Up for Major Football Rebuild
Texas A&M University-Texarkana Dedicates Library Leadership Commons
Additional Resources
- Southwest Times: Southside Grad Mary Ivey Became a Leader at WT
- Amarillo Globe-News: Ben Carson Joins Hill Institute Board at WT
- GoBuffsGo: Turk Ozturk Leads West Texas A&M Lady Buff Soccer
- NewsChannel 10: WTAMU Announces Hill Institute Board Members
- Amarillo Globe-News: WT Celebrates Awards for Students and Faculty
- Wikipedia: Leadership
- Google Search: West Texas A&M University
- Google Scholar: Leadership programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Leadership
- Google News: West Texas A&M University
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
