CANYON, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — West Texas A&M University recently released a roundup of news information about WT faculty and staff.

Officials with WT provided the following faculty and staff members who recently earned an award or have started serving in a new position at the university:

• Dr. Elizabeth Rogers, assistant professor of counseling, was presented with the 2023 John Shirley Advocacy Award from the Texas Counseling Association at a conference on Nov. 1-3 which recognized legislative advocacy efforts.
• Christina Cahillane, a 2009 and 2010 graduate, was named WT’s new executive director of communications for Enrollment Management;
  • Will focus on “elevating marketing and communication efforts in support of new student recruitment,” officials noted.
  • Was the previous marketer for the academic department and returned to WT after over a decade in sales and marketing.
• Lizette Calzada started as a “major gift officer” in WT’s Office for Philanthropy and External Relations;
  • Officers manage fundraising efforts with donors and prospective donors.
  • Previous assistant athletic director for ticket operations in WT Athletics.
• KyLeah Frazier, 2022 WT graduate, began as the communication and community outreach specialist in the Office of the President;
  • Will provide organization support, communication administration and community outreach initiatives in the office.
• Dr. Shawn Fouts was named WT’s director of residential living and continued as the senior director of the campus community;
  • Previous associate director of the Jack B. Kelley Student Center and then returned to WT in October 2022.
• Brenda Keith was named executive director of the Office of College Access and Academic Enrichment Programs in the Office of Student Affairs;
  • Will provide leadership in strategic planning and direction for Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math and Science, College Talent Search, and College Assistance Migrant Program.
  • Previously served as director of WT’s Upward Bound program and has served in different roles at the university for over 20 years.
• Amanda Lawson was named senior director for orientation and academic success;
  • Will provide leadership and strategic planning for Orientation Programs, Buff Branding, Start Strong Programs, Family Weekend, Tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, and Testing.
  • Former assistant director for new student and transfer orientation.
• Steven McLean was named WT’s new director of Sponsored Research Service, aiding faculty as they seek external funding for research projects.
• Carlo Vazquez began to serve as unit director for SSC at WT, which provides all maintenance, custodial and grounds work and assists with campus construction project management.