[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 125 (Thursday, July 30, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E753]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING AND HONORING WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT DR. WALTER 
                               V. WENDLER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RONNY JACKSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 30, 2026

  Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
honor Dr. Walter V. Wendler as he will retire from his duties as 
President of West Texas A&M University on September 1, 2026, after a 
decade of distinguished leadership at WT and more than four decades of 
dedicated service to higher education.
  Since assuming the presidency in 2016, Dr. Wendler has led West Texas 
A&M University with a clear vision rooted in service to the Texas 
Panhandle. Guided by the principle of regional responsibility, he 
championed the University's commitment to academic excellence, student 
success, and community engagement, while meeting the needs of the 
people and rural areas it serves through WT 125: From the Panhandle to 
the World.
  Among his most notable accomplishments was the launch of the One West 
Comprehensive Campaign in 2021, the largest educational fundraising 
campaign in Texas Panhandle history. Initially established with a goal 
of fundraising $125 million, under Dr. Wendler's leadership, the 
campaign raised more than $208 million to support scholarships, 
academic programs, research initiatives, and campus improvements that 
will benefit students for generations to come.
  Under Dr. Wendler's leadership, WT expanded research and workforce 
development in beef production, water conservation, soil health, food 
security, and agricultural innovation--areas that are critical to the 
Texas Panhandle and America's agricultural economy. Recognizing that 
the future of agriculture depends on innovation, he also championed 
stronger collaboration between WT's College of Agriculture and Natural 
Resources and College of Engineering, culminating in the establishment 
of the Panhandle Institute for Engineering Research. In Congress, I was 
proud to support the Institute's inaugural project to develop mobile 
desalination technology to expand water resources for the farming and 
livestock operations I represent in Texas' 13th Congressional District, 
reflecting the practical, problem-solving research that became a 
hallmark of his tenure.
  Dr. Wendler's commitment to the Texas Panhandle extended well beyond 
agriculture. He consistently emphasized the importance of supporting 
local schools, strengthening educational opportunities in small 
communities, advancing research on water and energy resources, and 
addressing the unique healthcare challenges facing rural Texans. Under 
his leadership, WT expanded its efforts to prepare educators, nurses, 
and healthcare professionals to serve communities across the Panhandle, 
helping ensure rural Texans have greater access to quality education 
and healthcare closer to home.
  Under his leadership, West Texas A&M University also experienced 
renewed enrollment growth and expanded research activity, earning 
recognition as a Carnegie-designated Research College and University. 
This will further strengthen WT's role as a vital educational, 
cultural, and economic anchor for the Texas Panhandle.
  Dr. Wendler's career reflects a steadfast belief in the 
transformative power of education and the responsibility of public 
universities to serve their communities. While Dr. Wendler may be 
retiring, his leadership will continue to leave a lasting impact on 
West Texas A&M University and the entire Texas Panhandle.
  On behalf of all those I represent in Texas' 13th Congressional 
District, I want to thank Dr. Wendler for his many contributions to 
West Texas A&M University and wish him, his wife Mary, their two sons, 
and six grandchildren all the best in this next chapter. I say to my 
fellow Aggie, Gig `em, and Go Buffs.

                          ____________________