OPENING THOUGHTS
Dear Reader,
The document before you represents the culmination of tireless work by hundreds of individuals. It is impossible to gauge the intellectual and emotional energy invested in WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World . Those of us involved in the process firmly believe it will transform West Texas A&M University into a more effective institution in service to our region, The Texas A&M University System, the state, nation and world. This document represents an ambitious endeavor. We are not afraid of it, but run toward it. Our history is invaluable. West Texas A&M University has educated the Texas Panhandle since 1910. Over 70 percent of the teachers and administrators in public schools in the Panhandle have at least one degree from WT. We are proud of this foundation, and we intend to build a powerful future through excellence in our classrooms, laboratories, studios and other teaching venues through an intensified research agenda that is defined by the challenges and opportunities of the Panhandle. Our commitment to Panhandle rural communities as well as the urban areas of Canyon and Amarillo is the nucleus of our future. What we find and respond to here will also have application to similar geographic regions of the state, nation and world.
I would like to express my appreciation to the many individuals who contributed to this project. White papers, theme group reports and other contributions to this energetic process are available at wtamu.edu/wt125.
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