CANYON, Texas — Six prominent regional leaders have joined the West Texas A&M University Foundation board of directors. 

The new class of board members officially joined the board for its Sept. 1 meeting after the full slate of newcomers was elected at the board’s Aug. 16 meeting. 

“Great universities benefit from the leadership of extraordinary volunteers who possess the experience and desire to partner in the educational mission,” said Dr. Todd Rasberry, vice president for philanthropy and external relations. “The WTAMU Foundation Board of Directors are outstanding leaders from across the region who understand the value WT brings to the region. They guide efforts to financially support the people, places and programs that make WT the Panhandle’s University. 

New members include: 

• Dr. Andy Cole: Cole, a Pampa native, earned degree in animal science in 1971 from WT and his master’s and Ph.D. in animal science and nutrition from Oklahoma State University in 1973 and 1975, respectively. He worked for Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  He is a 2011 WT Distinguished Alumni and 2007 Graduate of Distinction in the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. 
• Lance Jones: Jones is a shareholder at Brown, Graham, and Company, PC, in Amarillo. He earned his accounting degree from WT in 1985. 
• T. Luke Longhofer: Longhofer, an Abilene resident, is executive vice president and chief lending officer for First Financial Bankshares. He previously held a position with the FDIC. He earned a bachelor of business administration degree from WT in 2004.  
• Chris Lyons: Lyons earned his bachelor of business administration degree from WT in 2004. A leading realtor in the Amarillo area, Lyons owns HOME by Lyons and Lyons Realty. 
• Larry Oldham: Oldham, who lives in Midland, earned his bachelor of business administration degree from WT in 1975. He is the operating partner of Gateway Royalty V, LLC, and owner of Oldham Properties, Ltd. 
• Velrick Wilson: Wilson is a financial advisor at Juba, Adams, Wilson & Associates with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Amarillo. She earned her business degree in 1984 from WT. 

The WTAMU Foundation was founded in 1946 to provide student scholarship assistance and to support faculty, staff, and programs. Today, the foundation continues to support the mission of the University and strives to fulfill the vision of WT being a regionally responsive research University, as laid out in the long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World. 

That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the five-year campaign — which publicly launched Sept. 23 — has raised more than $110 million.