A major investment aimed at strengthening healthcare education and research in the Texas Panhandle is coming to West Texas A&M University, thanks to a $5 million pledge from the High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation.
The gift, to be distributed over the next five years, will establish the High Plains Christian Ministries Health Institute, an initiative designed to expand healthcare education, promote community engagement and support research focused on regional health challenges.
University leaders say the institute will build on existing strengths within WT’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences and the Laura and Joe Street School of Nursing.
“Health and well-being are a priority at WT through the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and the Laura and Joe Street School of Nursing,” WT President Walter V. Wendler said. “The High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation has a longstanding mission to improve healthcare in the Texas Panhandle. Their partnership with WT in establishing a health institute will position the University to further serve our region by focusing on all types of health care.”
The pledge marks the largest single gift in the foundation’s history. It surpasses the foundation’s previous record donation — a $3 million gift to WT in 2021 that funded the Baptist Community Services Nursing Education Floor in Harrington Academic Hall at the WTAMU Amarillo Center.
The new commitment also boosts the university’s ongoing One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, bringing the campaign’s total to nearly $195 million.
“High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation is honored and privileged to expand its current relationship with WT through a gift to create the High Plains Christian Ministries Health Institute,” said Steve Dalrymple, president, CEO and chief legal officer of the foundation. “WT is a leader in healthcare education, research and training. Our foundation, through the establishment of this new Health Institute, is confident that WT will build on this excellence and expand healthcare services and access to the residents of the Texas Panhandle for many years to come.”
The institute was officially approved by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents during its February meeting. It will focus on four key areas: community and research initiatives, nutrition integration, advanced nursing training and doctoral-level nursing education.
Programs will include rural health partnerships, community outreach and seed grants to support applied research. Nutrition initiatives will integrate wellness-focused curriculum and partnerships with community organizations.
The institute will also introduce an Emergency Nurse Practitioner certification for post-graduate training. In addition, WT is seeking approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to launch a Doctor of Nursing Practice program — which would become the first program of its kind in the region.
“The HPCM gift will have a significant impact on this region in helping WT and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences be responsive to the needs of the Panhandle, not just in education but in the overall health of our residents and communities,” said Holly Jeffreys, dean and Ware University Distinguished Professor.
Funding from the foundation will be divided into several areas: $2.5 million for program support, $1.25 million to establish a student scholarship endowment and $1.25 million for a health research endowment.
The institute is also expected to deepen research into rural health and wellness across the Panhandle.
“The High Plains Christian Ministry Health Institute will expand WT’s capacity to conduct meaningful, applied research that addresses the unique health challenges of rural communities,” said Angela Spaulding, vice president for research and dean of the WT Graduate School. “By integrating community partnerships, health sciences and advanced nursing education, this institute ensures our research is both rigorous and responsive to the needs of the Texas Panhandle.”
The announcement comes as WT continues expanding its research profile. In August, the university was classified by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a Research College and University, a designation recognizing institutions conducting significant research activity despite historically limited recognition.
