The 2026-2027 cohort of a prestigious student program at West Texas A&M University in Canyon has been announced.
The Dyke and Terry Rogers Leadership Education and Development Program, or Rogers LEAD WT, was created in 2012 to challenge high-achieving students to further develop their leadership potential.
“I am thrilled to officially welcome our newest cohort of scholars to the Rogers LEAD WT program for the 2026-2027 academic year,” said Kimberly Cornelsen, executive director. “Each of these outstanding students has demonstrated a willingness to continue their journey of leadership development and a commitment to serving in the community. I am truly excited to walk alongside this remarkable group of leaders as they challenge themselves, build lifelong connections, and unlock their full potential to impact West Texas and beyond.”
Local students named to the 2026-2027 cohort of Rogers LEAD WT scholars include:
Up to 25 students annually are accepted as LEAD WT scholars following an extensive application and interview process. The program is completed in two years, with students taking leadership theory courses, working as a team on service projects, and completing internship experiences and taking part in other real-world activities including networking events and public speaking opportunities.
For the full list of selected students, visit the WT newsroom website.
Other community news
Amarillo’s thriving coffee community is taking center stage in Season 2 of COFFEE The Universal Language, a documentary series produced by N+D Media. The Amarillo episode features Palace Coffee Company, The 806 Coffee Lounge +, Herencia Coffee (in Dumas) and the community that has helped shape our area’s unique coffee culture. The public is invited to an exclusive premiere screening of the Amarillo episode on Saturday, June 27 at Amarillo Little Theatre, where guests can enjoy refreshments at 7 p.m., the screening and a live Q&A session. The event is free and open to the public, but donations will be accepted to support ALT and its mission. Season Two is expected to hit PBS, AmazonPrime and Tubi streaming services in August of this year.
The newly formed Make-A-Wish Texas Panhandle has announced that Ashley York is its new development manager for the greater Amarillo and Panhandle area. “We are thrilled to welcome Ashley to the Make-A-Wish team,” said Kim Elenez, CEO for Make-A-Wish North Texas, which operates across 161 counties in north, east, and west Texas. “Our history in the Panhandle began in 1984, when we granted our first wish here. Ashley’s deep roots in the community are a beautiful connection to that history.” A lifelong Amarillo resident, York brings more than 15 years of experience spanning nonprofit management, community engagement, sales, communications, and education, including roles at Caprock High School and Snack Pak 4 Kids. “The Texas Panhandle has shaped who I am and has given me so many opportunities to serve others throughout my life. I am honored to have the privilege of building relationships, engaging supporters, and helping ensure that even more children across the Texas Panhandle experience the hope and joy that a wish can bring.” For more information, visit wish.org/ntx/donate or follow them on social media platforms.
The annual ArtAfterDark fundraiser at the Amarillo Museum of Art is set for 7-10 p.m. Friday, June 26, with art, music, food and drink. Admission is $35 per person, or free for AMoA members. The experience is designed to attract an audience interested in broadening their understanding and appreciation of art. Guests can explore all facets of current exhibits on display at the museum, with hands-on art activities, games and gallery hunts further enhancing the evening. Enjoy food by Reagan’s Brick Oven Pizza; cocktails and cold beer; music by Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light, 2025 Telluride Bluegrass Band Contest Winner; and live printing with Free Cheese Prints.
This week’s Furry Friend is Sonya. “We think Sonya looks a bit like an Irish Wolfhound. Sonya was an owner surrender. We are told Sonya knows commands: Sit and lie down. She is almost house trained, and Sonya is crate trained. Sonya has never been around cats, but okay with other dogs. She is active and playful, great around people at our shelter. Sonya’s coloring is black and gray. She will be a medium to large sized dog when grown.” Amarillo SPCA adoptions can be made at the shelter, 11901 S. Coulter, noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Call 806-622-0555, or visit www.amarillospcashelter.com or www.adoptapet.com.
After nearly four decades of serving the Texas Panhandle, The Panhandle AIDS Support Organization (PASO) has changed its name to Panhandle Assistance & Support Organization (PASO). Founded in 1987, PASO has been a trusted source of compassion, advocacy, and life-saving support for individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. Medical advancements have transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition, and PASO’s work has grown to address the broader challenges that affect overall health and quality of life. The new name more accurately reflects this expanded mission while staying true to the heart of its mission. “This change is about making sure people feel comfortable reaching out to us. It’s for our clients now and in the future,” said Rhoda Breeden, Executive Director of PASO. “We want anyone who needs help, to know that they are welcome here, without fear, stigma, or hesitation.” For more, visit www.panhandleaso.org .
FirstBank Southwest (FBSW) said Tim Tucker has joined their Pampa team as Vice President, Commercial Lender. A Texas Panhandle native, Tucker entered the banking industry in 2019. He earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Amarillo College in 2020 and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from West Texas A&M University in 2021. “Tim’s story is one of hard work, growth, and a commitment to serving others,” said Andy Marshall, President and CEO of FirstBank Southwest. “We are excited to have him join the FBSW family.” Tucker, his wife Rikki of 18 years, and their two children relocated to Pampa in July 2025 and quickly became active members of the community. Earlier this year, he was recognized by the Pampa Chamber of Commerce as the recipient of the Official Pampan Award, which honors a newcomer who has quickly made a meaningful impact through community involvement and service.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) has named Lance R. McMahon, Ph.D., as the new Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences dean and Kendra P. Rumbaugh, Ph.D., as vice dean. Serving as TTUHSC’s executive vice president for Research and Innovation since 2021, McMahon will also serve as chair of the Research Council and a faculty member in the Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy. Rumbaugh, a TTUHSC graduate and an internationally respected scientist, currently serves as director of the TTUHSC Burn Center of Research Excellence, a role she has held since 2017. She will be the first to serve as vice dean, a position established to strengthen the school’s administrative infrastructure and support its continued growth.
On June 5, residents, families, and team members at The Legacy at Town Square, a senior living community in Amarillo, gathered for a Memory Care Color Run benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. “What made the event especially memorable was seeing older adults living with memory loss fully immersed in the experience, laughing with family members, spraying colorful powder, cheering on participants, and creating moments of connection together,” an annoucement says. “Residents exchanged colorful powder with team members and loved ones, participated from wheelchairs and patio seating, and enjoyed a day centered on joy, inclusion, and awareness.” At a time when nearly every family has been touched by Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, the event served as a reminder that meaningful experiences and fun remain possible throughout the journey. For more, visit The Legacy at Town Square’s website.
The City of Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare Department (AAMW) is conducting a free pet spay/neuter voucher clinic for residents of the North Heights Recognized Neighborhood on June 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hines Memorial Park, 1300 N.W. 18th Ave. To qualify, residents must bring their pets to the clinic in person along with proof of residence within North Heights. Pets must be at least 4 months old. Vouchers are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. For information, go to: https://www.amarillo.gov/planning/neighborhood-plans/north-heights-neighborhood-plan/ or contact AAMW by phone at (806) 378-9032 or by email at animals@amarillo.gov .
Angelina Alcozer, a student from Pampa, is among just 54 students nationwide selected as a recipient of the Energy Workforce & Technology Council’s 2026 scholarship program. Alcozer is studying music at West Texas A&M University and was selected to receive the scholarship through Flowco. To learn more, visit http://www.energyworkforce.org.
Aaron Kinsey was sworn in for a second term as Chairman of the Texas State Board of Education, following reappointment by Gov. Greg Abbott in April 2026. Kinsey will continue leading the Board through April 1, 2028. He represents 87 counties across West Texas and the Panhandle. A Texas A&M University and Harvard Business School graduate, he flew 120 combat missions as a U.S. Air Force C-130 pilot and instructor. Kinsey serves as CEO of American Patrols, Inc., a Midland-based aviation services company. He and his wife Katelyn live in Midland with their three children.
Preservation Texas is now accepting applications for its new Historic Rural Log Building Grant Program, funded by a $750,000 Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant from the National Park Service. Subgrants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 will be awarded to five to seven preservation projects involving historic, pre-1940 log buildings. For program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application information, visit preservationtexas.org/grants.
The Texas Tech University System (TTU System) announced June 16 the appointment of Kara Crawford as vice chancellor for health initiatives, a new executive leadership position created to strengthen the system’s health-related priorities and support continued growth across its universities. Crawford will begin her role on June 22 and will be based in the TTU System’s Austin office. Her career includes senior leadership positions with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, where she served as chief of staff, and the Office of Governor Greg Abbott.
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: WT’s Rogers LEAD Program welcomes new Amarillo, Canyon students
Reporting by Kristina Wood, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kristina Wood, Amarillo Globe-News | USA TODAY Network
