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

CANYON, Texas - The West Texas A&M University Foundation has established the Chancellor John Sharp Scholarship in honor of the longtime leader of The Texas A&M University System, who announced July 1 that he would retire in 12 months.

The scholarship will provide significant financial support to WT students who demonstrate a strong commitment to public service, aligning with Sharp's enduring legacy as a statewide leader.

The endowment, which was established by President Walter V. Wendler with an initial $50,000, already has increased to $100,000 through "the generous support of others who recognize and appreciate what Chancellor Sharp has done for WT and The Texas A&M University System," said Dr. Todd Rasberry, WT vice president for philanthropy and external relations.

"I could not think of a more fitting way to pay tribute to Chancellor Sharp and show gratitude for his incredible leadership as Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System," Wendler said. "Chancellor Sharp has proven his commitment to providing excellent educational experiences and opportunities to students, and the scholarship in his name reinforces what has been his priority."

The Chancellor John Sharp Scholarship will be awarded annually to any WT student who plans to enter a field of public service, reflecting the values and commitment to community that have been hallmarks of Chancellor Sharp's career. This initiative not only honors his legacy but also aligns with WT's mission to develop leaders who are prepared to make a positive impact on society.

Donations will be accepted from anyone wishing to honor Sharp's leadership.

"Public service has been my life's work, and I am deeply honored by the establishment of this scholarship," Sharp said. "It is my hope that this endowment will inspire WT students to pursue careers in public service, continuing the legacy of commitment to the common good."

The Board of Regents will conduct a national search in the coming months for Sharp's successor, said Chairman Bill Mahomes.

Sharp earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Texas A&M in 1972. He was a member of the Corps staff of the Corps of Cadets, and he was elected student body president.

Before becoming chancellor, he had decades of public service, beginning in 1978 when he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. He later was elected to serve in the Texas Senate, on the Texas Railroad Commission and twice as state comptroller.

Examples of WT's growth under Sharp's leadership include the addition of the on-campus Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium, the Stanley Schaeffer Agriculture Education Learning Lab, and the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences Agricultural Complex and its Happy State Bank Academic and Research Building. Currently under construction is the Geneva Schaeffer Education Building in a $45 million project.

The WT campus also now includes the Charles W. "Doc" Graham '53 DVM, The Texas A&M University System Center, which houses the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory and the Veterinary Education, Research and Outreach complexes. Now under construction is the $30 million Texas A&M AgriLife Research and AgriLife Extension Center.

The Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center also has opened in downtown Amarillo, now housing the Laura and Joe Street School of Nursing, the Center for Learning Disabilities, the WT Speech & Hearing Clinic and more.

Recognizing and supporting the kind of enlightened leadership and service displayed by Chancellor Sharp is in line with 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.

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