WT’s Rogers LEAD Program Announces 26-27 Cohort

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

CANYON, Texas - The 2026-2027 cohort of a prestigious West Texas A&M University student program has been announced.

The Dyke and Terry Rogers Leadership Education and Development Program, or Rogers LEAD WT, was created in 2012 to challenge high-achieving students to further develop their leadership potential.

"I am thrilled to officially welcome our newest cohort of scholars to the Rogers LEAD WT program for the 2026-2027 academic year," said Kimberly Cornelsen, executive director. "Each of these outstanding students has demonstrated a willingness to continue their journey of leadership development and a commitment to serving in the community. I am truly excited to walk alongside this remarkable group of leaders as they challenge themselves, build lifelong connections, and unlock their full potential to impact West Texas and beyond."

Up to 25 students annually are accepted as LEAD WT scholars following an extensive application and interview process. The program is completed in two years, with students taking leadership theory courses, working as a team on service projects, and completing internship experiences and taking part in other real-world activities including networking events and public speaking opportunities.

Students named to the 2026-2027 cohort of Rogers LEAD WT scholars include Muireann Benn-Rothstein, a senior biology major from Peyton, Colorado; Garicyn Bigham, a junior political science major from Amherst; Sye Boatmun, a junior history major from Sunray; Ivan De la Rosa, a junior nursing major from Sunray; Jamie Jefferson, a junior music education major from Austin; Emilio Jimenez, a senior nursing major from Dimmitt; Vada Johnson, a sophomore music therapy major from Paradise; Benjamin Kogo, a junior political science major from Canyon; Kaylea Marionneaux, a sophomore agricultural business and economics major from Zachary, Louisiana; Cali McKinley, a sophomore marketing major from Canyon; and Denton Moore, a sophomore animal science / pre-vet major from Littlefield.

Also, Jayci Nickels, a junior animal science / pre-vet major from Farwell; Kailin Noble, a junior psychology major from Amarillo; Titus Palmer, a sophomore nursing major from Lyford; Evalynn Ramirez, a sophomore mechanical engineering major from Houston; Jaelyn Reynolds, a sophomore education major from Paradise; Abril Rivera-Cervantes, a junior nursing major from Canadian; Sarah Robinson, a senior music therapy major from Lubbock; Madalynn Schmidt, a junior agriculture major from Bridgman, Michigan; Kimberly Villarreal, a sophomore nursing major from Mission; Emma Wagner, a sophomore sports and exercise sciences major from Coweta, Oklahoma; Brenna Ware, a sophomore agricultural media and communication major from Canyon; Mikah Wareham, a sophomore agricultural business and economics major from Norwood, Colorado; and Logan White, a sophomore economics and finance major from Canyon.

Students in this cohort represent all six of WT's Colleges.

Offering students intellectually challenging, critically reflective and regionally responsive academic programs is part of the mission laid out 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: West Texas A&M University's Rogers LEAD WT program's 2026-2027 cohort includes, front from left, Jaelyn Reynolds, Emilio Jiminez, Ivan De la Rosa, Logan White, Abril Rivera-Cervantes, Brenna Ware , Evalynn Ramirez, Jayci Nickels and Madalynn Schmidt, and, back from left, Muireann Benn-Rothstein, Cali McKinley, Kailin Noble, Benjamin Kogo, Sarah Robinson, Garicyn Bigham, Sye Boatmun, Mikah Wareham, Jamie Jefferson, Emma Wagner and Kaylea Marionneaux.

-WT-