05/27/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/27/2026 07:40
Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]
CANYON, Texas - Dr. Rick Haasl is the newly named vice president of enrollment management at West Texas A&M University, effective June 1.
Haasl has served for the past year as the vice provost for enrollment management and moves into the new position to further refine WT's efforts on recruitment of students throughout the Texas Panhandle and beyond.
"I am pleased to have Dr. Haasl join the executive cabinet as vice president," WT President Walter V. Wendler said. "Rick has a glowing and long history of serving the mission of WT. His understanding of the University and depth of experience makes him an ideal person to help lead WT."
In the past year, Haasl has moved to better integrate enrollment management with WT's academic mission, working closely with deans to better focus efforts in attracting students to WT.
"After our first year in Enrollment Management, we've discovered that the real reward isn't found by increasing numbers, but the relationships we build-on campus, in our high schools, and at community colleges," Haasl said. "When we are unified and work together in our recruitment and retention efforts, the numbers take care of themselves."
Haasl, a Dalhart native, joined WT in 2005 in the Department of Sports and Exercise Science. He earned a bachelor's in health and physical education from Oklahoma Panhandle State University, a master's in education from Northeastern State University, and a doctoral degree in higher education leadership from Texas Tech University.
Recruiting, retaining and rewarding the best students is a key mission of 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: Dr. Rick Haasl is the new vice president of enrollment management at West Texas A&M University.
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