WT Student Leaders Ready for New Academic Year

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]

CANYON, Texas - A trio of young leaders have spent the summer preparing to represent their peers as a new academic year dawns at West Texas A&M University.

Kyal Browne, a junior agribusiness major from Waxahachie, was elected president. Lane Golla, a senior animal science major from New Braunfels, was chosen vice president, and David Ortega, a senior political science major from Sunray, was appointed chief justice.

The three were installed as the new leadership team for Student Government Association at the close of the spring 2024 semester following a campus-wide election.

Classes for the fall 2024 semester begin Aug. 26.

SGA works closely with faculty and staff to ensure an academically challenging University while providing opportunities for fun and community. In addition to the officers, SGA includes student senators elected to represent each of WT's Colleges, Graduate School and the freshman class.

Over the summer, the team recruited potential new SGA members at New Student Orientations, brainstormed Homecoming activities, organized appointments to University-wide committees and engaged in internal planning, Browne said.

As president, Browne represents the student body and is the principal liaison between WT students and faculty, staff and administration. The president also acts as the chief executive officer of SGA and is the official student spokesperson for the University at the local, System, state and national levels.

"I am honored to serve as student body president and excited to focus on our platform of service, engagement, and stewardship," Browne said. "My goal is to enhance our campus community by fostering meaningful connections, promoting active involvement and upholding the highest standards of responsibility. Together, we will create a supportive environment where every student feels empowered to contribute and succeed."

Golla, who serves as the leader for SGA's legislative branch and elected student senators, said he is excited give back to the campus.

"My love for WT has grown immensely over the past couple years, and I will serve those around me in the best way I can to make lasting impacts on campus for all past, present and future Buffs," Golla said. "I am ready to start the school year to work with and serve the members of the Student Government Association, faculty and staff, and students across campus."

Ortega presides over the SGA's judicial branch and is a member of the Student Judicial Board, overseeing general elections and referendums.

"I am dedicated to upholding the values of fairness and justice within our student community," Ortega said. "I look forward to collaborating with my fellow students and administration to ensure that our student body upholds the highest standards of integrity and accountability."

Dr. Chris Thomas, vice president for student affairs, is the University liaison to SGA and said he is excited to work with the young leaders.

"These three outstanding student leaders continue our history of excellence from SGA," Thomas said. "It has been an honor and a joy to work with them over the summer, and I am excited to see them continue to serve and advocate for WT's student body at the highest level."

SGA is one way in which WT creates in its students a commitment to being self-reliant, courageous, resourceful and part of something larger than one's self, a primary goal of the University's long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign's new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised nearly $160 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degrees, including two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest's finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men's and women's athletics programs.

Photo: Student Government Association officers for 2024-2025 are, from left, Lane Golla, vice president; Kyal Browne, president; and David Ortega, chief justice.

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