WT VP Randy Rikel to Retire Dec. 31

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

CANYON, Texas - As a West Texas A&M University student, Randy Rikel gave tours to prospective new Buffs and even helped out at the University's 75th anniversary celebration.

Now, after about 40 years and two careers here, Rikel is retiring at the end of December as WT's vice president for business and finance.

"Being an alumnus and seeing the transformation of this campus since the 1980s has been a wonderful experience," Rikel said. "There is still lots to do, but I am honored to have been part of the growth of this campus."

Rikel first joined WT in 1996 as director of accounting, rising to assistant vice president in 2002, then associate vice president for business and finance in 2006.

After several years at Texas A&M University-Texarkana and the University of Dallas, Rikel returned to WT in May 2015.

"Randy has served our community with distinction," WT President Walter V. Wendler said. "He led through key milestones including stewardship of balanced budgets, strengthening of internal controls, and oversight of many major capital projects and improvements. I offer him my sincere gratitude for his dedicated service in leadership and the positive impact he has had on WT tudents, faculty and staff."

Rikel, a CPA who is active in several state business professional organizations, oversees the University's physical facilities and contract management along with supervising the Accounting and Business Office, Budget Office, Buff Gold Card Office, Human Resources, Post Office, Purchasing and Inventory Services, Risk Management, University Bookstore and the University Police Department.

Todd McNeill, who is currently associate vice president for finance and controller, will serve as interim vice president for business and finance effective Jan. 1.

"I have worked with a lot of great people who had a heart and a mission to help students meet their dreams and their goals of an education to better their families," Rikel said.

Rikel, who shares four children and 10 grandchildren with wife Joni, will work at WT on a part-time basis to work on special projects. An 11th grandchild is on the way.

Rikel's exemplary service to WT reflects the values laid out in 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 has raised more than $175 million and will continue through 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.

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