$5 Million Gift Establishes New High Plains Christian Ministry Health Institute at WT

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

Institute will focus on research into rural health and wellness, with planned doctoral degree

CANYON, Texas - High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation has pledged $5 million over the next five years to establish a health institute at West Texas A&M University.

The High Plains Christian Ministry Health Institute will encourage community engagement, research, nutrition and advanced nursing education.

"Health and well-being are a priority at WT through the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and the Laura and Joe Street School of Nursing," WT President Walter V. Wendler said. "The High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation has a longstanding mission to improve healthcare in the Texas Panhandle. Their partnership with WT in establishing a health institute will position the University to further serve our region by focusing on all types of health care."

The gift now stands as the largest single gift in the foundation's history. HPCMF's $3 million gift to WT in 2021, previously its largest gift ever, funded the Baptist Community Services Nursing Education Floor in Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center.

The foundation's 2026 gift brings the total raised in the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign to nearly $195 million.

"High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation is honored and privileged to expand its current relationship with WT through a gift to create the High Plains Christian Ministries Health Institute," said Steve Dalrymple, HPCMF president, CEO and chief legal officer. "WT is a leader in healthcare education, research and training. Our foundation, through the establishment of this new Health Institute, is confident that WT will build on this excellence and expand healthcare services and access to the residents of the Texas Panhandle for many years to come."

The institute, which officially was approved by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents at its February meeting, will encompass four focus areas:

• Community and Research, through rural health partnerships, community outreach and seed grants;
• Nutrition Integration, through curriculum, partnerships, and nutrition and wellness initiatives;
• An Emergency Nurse Practitioner certification, offering post-graduate training; and
• A Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

WT is currently seeking approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for the DNP program, which would be the first of its kind in the region.

"The HPCM gift will have a significant impact on this region in helping WT and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences be responsive to the needs of the Panhandle, not just in education but in the overall health of our residents and communities," said Dr. Holly Jeffreys, dean and Ware University Distinguished Professor. "Our proactive and collaborative approach will enhance efficiency and effectiveness throughout the Panhandle and simultaneously serve as a robust educational model for other regions across the state and country."

During the One West campaign, HPCMF also made a $1.5 million gift in 2022 to fund renovations of WT's historic Joseph A. Hill Memorial Chapel.

HPCMF's gift will provide $2.5 million in program support, $1.25 million in a student scholarship endowment, and $1.25 million in a health research endowment.

High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation is a part of the Baptist Community Services organizational family. The Foundation supports the senior adult services and community wellness programs of BCS, including Park Central and the Snack Pak 4 Kids weekend food insecurity program.

The institute also will encourage research into rural health and wellness.

"The High Plains Christian Ministry Health Institute will expand WT's capacity to conduct meaningful, applied research that addresses the unique health challenges of rural communities," said Dr. Angela Spaulding, vice president for research and dean of the WT Graduate School. "By integrating community partnerships, health sciences, and advanced nursing education, this institute ensures our research is both rigorous and responsive to the needs of the Texas Panhandle."

In August, WT was classified by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a Research College and University, or RCU. The new designation identifies research happening at colleges and universities that historically have not been recognized for their research activity.

WT spends approximately $10 million per year on research activities and currently offers two doctoral degrees: one in agriculture and one in educational leadership.

A commitment to being a Regional Research University is the singular goal of the University's long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the One West campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021, then reached its second, $175 million goal in September 2025.

About West Texas A&M University

A Regional Research University, West Texas A&M University is redefining excellence 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 more than 9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor's and master's degree, a specialist degree and two 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.

Photo: Celebrating the announcement of a $5 million gift fromHigh Plains Christian Ministries Foundation to West Texas A&M University on March 12 are Steve Dalrymple, HPCMF president, CEO and chief legal officer; Dr. Holly Jeffreys, dean of WT's College of Nursing and Health Sciences; and WT President Walter V. Wendler.

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