WT Ag Releases 14th Edition of Annual Magazine, Spotlighting Program’s Impact

MEDIA CONTACT: Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]

CANYON, Texas - The stories, people and progress that define West Texas A&M University Agriculture take center stage in the 14th edition of The Brand, the annual magazine produced by students in the Department of Agricultural Sciences.

The newest issue, which has already hit mailboxes of WT Agriculture donors and alumni, highlights the continued momentum within the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences while celebrating the traditions that continue to shape the program.

Created as part of the department's capstone course, The Brand is written, designed and produced entirely by students in the agricultural media and communication program.

"The Brand is a perfect project to assess and highlight student progression and skills in agricultural media and communication before they graduate and become practitioners in the industry," said Dr. Tanner Robertson, associate professor of agricultural media and communication and instructor of the capstone course. "I joke, but it is true: Not every student at the University wants the public to see how they did on their final exam, but the magazine is just that."

Feature stories throughout the publication spotlight alumni, students, faculty and industry leaders who continue to impact WT Agriculture through service, leadership and innovation. The issue also explores the growth of experiential learning opportunities, student organizations, research initiatives and industry partnerships that continue to expand opportunities for students.

"Every year a natural theme develops with the stories selected and written," Robertson said. "This year students seemed to gravitate toward the importance of alumni to the growth of the department in their stories."

From hands-on experiences in the classroom and field to new opportunities for leadership and professional development, the magazine captures the energy and forward-thinking vision driving WT Agriculture.

Students in the agricultural media and communication program served in leadership, writing, photography, design and advertising roles throughout the publication process, gaining real-world experience in strategic communication and media production.

This year's student executive staff included: editor Kaslyn Moczygemba, a senior agricultural media and communication major from Karnes City; assistant editor Kassadee Lym, a senior agricultural media and communication major from Fort Bridger, Wyoming; creative director McKenna Murphy, a senior agricultural media and communication major from Calhan, Colorado; assistant creative director Bella Ayers, a senior agricultural media and communication major from Pueblo, Colorado; and advertising manager Graham Wristers, a senior agricultural media and communication major from Spring.

Additional students contributed as writers, designers and content creators throughout the publication process, helping bring the magazine to life through storytelling and visual communication.

The publication was produced under the guidance of Robertson; Ellis Vidmar, instructor of agricultural media and communication; Kelsi Opat, assistant professor of agricultural media and communication; and graduate assistants in the program.

Preparing students for the workforce is among the top goals 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: The student executive staff of the 2026 edition of The Brand included, from left, editor Kaslyn Moczygemba,creative director McKenna Murphy, assistant editor Kassadee Lym, assistant creative director Bella Ayers and advertising manager Graham Wristers.

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