WT Veteran Services Director Honored for Excellence by A&M System

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

CANYON, Texas - West Texas A&M University's director of military and veteran services was recognized by The Texas A&M University System for her dedication and commitment to veterans and their families.

Amy Criss, who was named director in 2024 after beginning her WT career in 2016, was presented the Faculty/Staff Military-Connected Excellence Award by the A&M System Veteran & Military Services office at a special April 21 reception.

Criss also will be recognized April 30 as WT's employee of the month for April.

"I am honestly speechless," Criss said. "This means a lot to me. I was a military dependent myself, so I am very familiar with this community. My goal is to help them realize all of the benefits that they and their dependents are eligible for, and to help build their community on campus so they have a place for themselves."

For the A&M System honor, Criss was given a plaque and certificate, as well as a donation in her name to the Student Veterans Organization.

"This is such a well-deserved recognition," said Dr. Monteigne S. Long, director of A&M System Veteran & Military Services. "It was evident through the nomination letters just how much Amy does to support military-connected students at WT."

Under Criss's leadership, WT has twice been given gold Veterans Education Excellence Recognition Awards, most recently in August. The awards recognize the University's commitment toward ensuring the academic success of veterans and the military community.

"WT is fortunate to have Amy working with student veterans to guide them through the educational environment and provide support services to this important and deserving group," WT President Walter V. Wendler said. "Amy's experience and dedication provide an invaluable service to both veterans and WT. I am proud The Texas A&M University System has recognized and is honoring her service to veterans."

Criss also spearheaded the relocation of her office into a new space in the Jack B. Kelley Student Center.

"Under her leadership, the office now includes a dedicated Veterans Lounge, computer lab, and quiet space, providing student veterans with a sense of belonging, community and support-resources that are vital to their academic success and overall well-being," wrote Dr. Shawn Fouts, senior director of campus community, in a nomination letter. "Amy has a deep appreciation for the needs and well-being of her students, whether taking classes in person or online."

Veterans and military-affiliated students make up more than 6 percent of WT's student population.

Military and Veterans Services provides support for active-duty service members, veterans and families of either, offering access to a variety of educational benefits programs for them and their dependents.

The office was one of 19 institutions receiving a gold 2023 Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award by the Texas Veterans Commission.

WT has the No. 1 online bachelor's programs for veterans among Texas schools and No. 19 in the country, according to the most recent U.S. News & World Report rankings. Online MBA programs for veterans ranked No. 62, or No. 7 across Texas schools.

The University also co-sponsors an annual Veterans Day celebration with the City of Canyon at the Veterans Memorial on the WT campus.

WT's goal to be a leading institution in the United States for enrolling military personnel is a key metric in the University's long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which raised more than $200 million dollars, the largest such campaign in Texas Panhandle history.

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 more than 9,000 and offers multiple options for students to graduate and succeed: 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: Amy Criss, center, director of West Texas A&M University military and veteran services, was honored by The Texas A&M University System with the Faculty/Staff Military-Connected Excellence Award. Also pictured are, from left, Dr. Shawn Fouts, senior director of campus community; Rhiannon Sellinger, military and veteran benefits coordinator; Destany Walters, student benefits coordinator; and Rylan Dove, Student Veterans Organization president.

-WT-