Neil Terry, a longtime academic leader at West Texas A&M University, was approved Monday, July 27 to serve as the university’s interim president by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.
Terry currently serves as executive vice president and provost. His appointment comes as current President Walter Wendler announced in June his retirement after 10 years at the helm of WT, effective Sept. 1.
A nationwide search to find WT’s next permanent president will begin this summer.
“Neil Terry gives West Texas A&M University a steady hand on the reins at an important moment,” said Robert L. Albritton, chairman of the TAMUS Board of Regents in a news release. “He knows WT, he knows the Panhandle and he understands what this university means to the students, families and communities it serves. The Board appreciates his willingness to lead during this transition as we conduct a national search for the university’s next president.”
Terry joined WT in 1997 as an assistant professor of economics. He later served as associate professor of economics and director of graduate business programs before being named dean of the College of Business in 2006.
He served as dean until 2020, when he became executive vice president and provost.
“West Texas A&M University has been an important part of my life for many years, and I deeply believe in the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters who make the institution special,” said Terry, who does not intend to apply for the full-time position. “I look forward to working with various stakeholders in efforts to prepare a positive path for the next permanent president.”
As provost, Terry has helped lead WT’s academic operations, accreditation work, faculty development and student success efforts.
“Neil Terry has earned the trust of West Texas A&M University through years of serious, steady work on behalf of its students, faculty and academic mission,” said Texas A&M System Chancellor Glenn Hegar. “He has helped shape WT from the classroom, the College of Business and the provost’s office, and he understands both the daily work of running a university and the long-term responsibility of serving this region. I am grateful he is willing to step into this role and keep the university moving forward while the national search continues.”
Terry is the Paul Engler Professor of Economics. He holds a Ph.D. and master’s degree in economics from Texas Tech University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from California State University at Sacramento. He also completed Harvard University’s Management Development Program for higher education leadership.
Kristina Wood is managing editor of the Amarillo Globe-News, whose coverage includes Amarillo and Canyon, and into the Texas Panhandle. Have a story idea? Send it in at newmedia@amarillo.com .
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: New West Texas A&M interim president announced
Reporting by Kristina Wood, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
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By Kristina Wood, Amarillo Globe-News | USA TODAY Network
