New Storm Shelter at WT May Provide Space for Growth in Competitive Teams, More

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

CANYON, Texas - Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 on a new emergency storm shelter on the West Texas A&M University campus that may also provide a home to new competitive teams.

WT won a $13.99 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the project this summer, which is part of The Texas A&M University System's five-year, $1.9 billion capital plan adopted in August 2025.

The new, 30,000-square-foot facility, which would be constructed east of the Virgil Henson Activities Center, primarily would include a tornado-safe shelter for WT students, faculty and staff, and members of the Canyon community. The new shelter also would be connected to the Activities Center by approximately 5,000 square feet of hallways and common areas.

"We have more than 2,000 students who live in campus residence halls, and the majority of them are located within a five-minute walk of the proposed facility," said Stan Pena, interim assistant vice president of facilities and construction. "With the impact of tornadic storm events over the region over the past several years, the need for a safe, accessible location capable of protecting people from severe weather has never been more important."

The building would not go unused when the campus isn't being threatened by severe weather.

According to preliminary plans, the multipurpose facility would include space for a multi-sport court in the center of the building, as well as four pickleball courts and cross-training space.

The building also may include administrative offices for the Department of Sports and Exercise Sciences from the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, which is exploring the possibility of adding a new Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

To maximize the usage of the space, WT administrators have formed two exploratory committees to look into the possibility of adding wrestling as a club sport, with the potential of adding it to the University's roster of NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference teams, as well as expanding the existing WT Spirit program into a competitive cheer program.

"The Texas Panhandle has a long history of competitive amateur wrestling, with many of our local high schools consistently producing top UIL state competitors and champions," said Dr. Chris Thomas, vice president for student affairs and chair of the exploratory committee for wrestling. "We are leaning into our Panhandle roots by creating an opportunity for our students from here to stay here and ultimately compete at the highest levels."

Adding competitive cheer could make WT more attractive to a significant number of potential new students.

"Expanding the WT Spirit program to include competitive cheer could be an opportunity to build on our existing foundation while creating new, meaningful experiences for our students," said Tracee Post, WT chief of staff and chair of the exploratory committee for cheer. "The expansion would allow students to build on the skills they already bring to WT through collegiate competition while strengthening their sense of belonging and connection to the WT community."

Doug Lipinski, vice president of athletics, said the programs would complement WT's existing varsity-level sports.

"As we review today's landscape of higher education it is important that we evaluate our varsity sports portfolio," Lipinski said. "We will analyze sports offering expansion opportunities, which will include looking at emerging sports like women's flag football and stunt as well.

WT currently offers 16 NCAA Division II varsity sports that compete nationally in the Lone Star Conference.

Wrestling exploratory committee members also include Lipinski, as well as Dr. Amjad Abdullat, dean of the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business; Dr. Brandon Bang, chair of Faculty Advisory Council and director of the Criminal Justice program; Dr. Amber Black, assistant vice president for student success; Christina Cahillane, executive director of marketing for enrollment management; Brian Edwards, executive assistant in the president's office; Brittny Lee, director of annual giving; Josh Roberson, deputy athletic director; and Becky Warren, director of recreational sports.

Cheer exploratory committee members also include Lipinski and Roberson, as well as Crystal Bertrand, WT Dance program director; Dr. Chance Haugen, assistant vice president for campus engagement; Sedrick Knowlton, assistant vice president for enrollment management; Annalisa Mayhew, WT Spirit head coach; Madison Mays, University director of digital marketing; Dr. Kelsey McGee, senior director of Student Engagement and Leadership; and Jon Revett, head of the Department of Art, Theatre and Dance.

As WT works to add a new building to the campus landscape, the University is continuing to work with the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society, city leaders, government officials and other stakeholders in a collaborative effort to work with the State Fire Marshal on a plan to reopen Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.

"We are grateful to FEMA for selecting WT as a safety shelter location, which will support our campus and community," said Dr. Neil Terry, interim president. "We also look forward to exploring opportunities to leverage the new complex in ways that will enhance student engagement and academic success."

About West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University is a Regional Research University in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT boasts an enrollment of about 9,000 and offers multiple options for students to graduate and succeed: 65 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 41 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor's and master's degree, a specialist degree and three doctoral degrees. WT recently earned a Carnegie Foundation classification as a Research College and University. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 16 men's and women's athletics programs.

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