McNeill Named WT’s VP of Business & Finance; Other Admin Changes Announced

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

CANYON, Texas - Dr. Todd McNeill is the new vice president of business and finance at West Texas A&M University.

McNeill joined WT in 2014 as director of finance, then served as associate vice president for business and finance / controller from September 2020 to December 2025. In January, he was named acting vice president of business and finance following the retirement of Randy Rikel.

"I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as WT's vice president of business and finance," McNeill said. "With a bright future ahead, I look forward to partnering with University leadership to advance our mission and drive lasting impact."

McNeill's appointment was approved this week by The Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar.

"I'm grateful to welcome Dr. Todd McNeill to his new role, and as we make several strong leadership appointments, we're doing so with a clear purpose: to serve students well today while creating opportunity for good people to develop, lead, and grow in responsibility over time," WT President Walter V. Wendler said.

In his new position, McNeill 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, the University Bookstore, and the University Police Department. He brings with him experience in the fiscal aspects of university operations and working with faculty, staff, administration and students across the University.

Prior to joining WT, McNeill worked in the restaurant, agriculture and construction industries. He earned degrees in accounting from Lubbock Christian University and an MBA from WT. Most recently, he earned a doctoral degree in educational leadership from WT.

In other recent administrative changes, going into effect Sept. 1, Dr. Kris Drumheller will take a larger role as the sole associate dean in the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities, stepping down as head of the Department of Communication. That role will be filled by Dr. Emily Kinsky.

Dr. Rebecca Weir will be the new head of the Department of English, Philosophy and Modern Languages, in which Kinsky served as interim department head for the past two years.

Dr. Brian Vizzini will be the new head of the Department of History following Dr. Tim Bowman's appointment as the new director of WT's Center for the Study of the American West.

"I'm eager to work with this group of leaders as we strive toward the goals of the College, School of Music and departments," said Dr. Dan Peterson, dean of the Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities.

Recruiting, retaining and rewarding the best faculty and staff 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. Todd McNeill is West Texas A&M University's new vice president for business and finance.

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