Since 1919

The Prairie News

Since 1919

The Prairie News

Since 1919

The Prairie News

Emily Merrill

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief

Hey, my name is Emily Merrill. I am originally from Fort Davis, Texas. I'm studying agricultural media and communication and loving it! I am a senior here at WT and I can't decide if my favorite color is yellow or blue.

All content by Emily Merrill

[Video] A closer look at the food service industry in America

Hannah Valencia, Senior Reporter
February 21, 2022

Food service workers have become a necessary part of modern life. However, the demand for food service workers has not equated to their respect. Workers in the food industry are often faced with challenges...

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As always, God bless and go Buffs!

Op/Ed: My time as a Buffalo

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
December 1, 2021

After four and a half years, it has finally come to an end. My undergraduate career is now over, and here I am to share my experiences with you all. Although I wouldn’t change anything for the world,...

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Ask the graduate student: Caleb Roche

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
November 22, 2021

Caleb Roche completed his undergraduate at the University of Central Oklahoma in May of 2019, and has been working on his Masters of Business Administration here at West Texas A&M University. Roche...

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Photo from Pixabay

Dia de los Muertos: A celebration of life

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
November 10, 2021

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated on Nov. 1 each year. This holiday is to celebrate loved ones who have passed on, and the life they have lived on earth. According to History.com,...

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WTAMU College of Engineering 2nd annual Pumpkin Chunkin

WTAMU College of Engineering 2nd annual Pumpkin Chunkin

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
November 1, 2021

On Oct. 28, West Texas A&M University’s College of Engineering hosted its second annual Pumpkin Chunkin competition. The Pumpkin Chunkin consisted of 50 teams all together, a mix of the engineering...

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The Prairie News brings you Ask the Professor, a brand new biweekly column.

Ask the professor: Rik Andersen

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
November 1, 2021

Rik Andersen is a part time instructor (PTI) for West Texas A&M University’s Department of Communication. Rik graduated from WTAMU with a Bachelor’s degree in applied arts and a Master’s degree...

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WTAMU F1RSTGEN student panel

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
October 26, 2021

On Oct. 19, West Texas A&M University’s F1RSTGEN hosted the first We Are One talk, a panel of first-generation students giving their experiences as being the first one in their families to continue...

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The Prairie News brings you Ask the Professor, a brand new biweekly column.

Ask the Professor: Dr. Landry Lockett

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
October 19, 2021

Dr. Landry Lockett graduated from Texas Tech University with his undergraduate and graduate degree in ornamental horticulture. While working for Texas Extension, he went to earn a doctorate in agricultural...

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WTAMU to participate in National Transfer Student Week

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
October 19, 2021

Oct. 18 marks the start of National Transfer Student Week (NTSW), a celebration of transfer students and the professionals that support them. The week is celebrated by universities all over the United...

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Southwest Abstractions of Emil Bisttram located on the first floor of the PPHM and is available for viewing until March 19, 2022.

WTAMU department of art, theater and dance partners with PPHM with Southwest Abstractions

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
October 5, 2021

On Sept. 21, Southwest Abstractions of Emil Bisttram opened at the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum. The exhibition includes abstract works that have never been featured in a museum. Bisttram was...

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The Prairie News brings you Ask the Professor, a brand new biweekly column.

Ask the professor: Dr. Justin Moeller

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
October 4, 2021

Dr. Justin Moeller is an assistant professor in political science and West Texas A&M University’s pre-law advisor. He received a B.S. in political science and public administration from the University...

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One West: A campaign for the future of WTAMU

One West: A campaign for the future of WTAMU

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
September 27, 2021

On Thursday Sept. 23 West Texas A&M University announced the One West fundraising campaign at Buffalo Stadium. The event included a small awards ceremony, eight interactive booths from different...

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Fresh Check Day for mental health and suicide awareness.

Fresh Check Day: An event for mental health

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
September 20, 2021

On Sept. 14 West Texas A&M University participated in Fresh Check Day, a nation-wide mental health fair that includes peer-run interactive booths, free food, music and prizes. Darcy Webber, coordinator...

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WTAG hosts annual Ag Day

WTAG hosts annual Ag Day

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
September 13, 2021

  On Sept. 11, 2021, West Texas A&M University’s Department of Agricultural Sciences hosted its annual Ag Day.   Ag Day was started 25 years ago when a group of alumni met...

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WTAMU Continues Conceal Carry of Handguns on Campus

WTAMU Continues Conceal Carry of Handguns on Campus

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
September 6, 2021

Texas House Bill 1927, or the Firearm Carry Act of 2021, went into effect on Sept. 1, 2021. This bill states, “Relating to provisions governing the carrying of a firearm by a person who is 21 years of...

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Grandsons as paul bearers at my grandmother’s funeral.

Op/Ed: When we lose a loved one

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
September 6, 2021

“Death may be the greatest of all human blessings” -Socrates How interesting that death can be thought of as a blessing, even to a genius such as Socrates. All that seems to come with it are grief,...

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Presentations and exams are almost complete, keep the motivation Buffaloes!

[Photo] Dealing with burnout in college

Jonah Dietz, Senior Reporter
April 23, 2021

Presentations and exams are almost complete, keep the motivation Buffaloes!

Frenemies uploads new episodes every Tuesday.

Frenemies: the podcast changing culture norms

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
April 20, 2021

Internet personalities Trisha Paytas and Ethan Klein started their YouTube podcast, “Frenemies”, on Sep. 15, 2020, and it has been a growing sensation since. Each episode has received at least one...

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El Tropico has opened a new location in Canyon, Texas.

El Tropico’s new casa in Canyon

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
April 6, 2021

El Tropico has opened a new set of doors in Canyon. With locations all across the Panhandle including Amarillo, Hereford and Tulia, it was time that The Buffaloes had one close by. The Mexican snack and...

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Qua Grant and Zach Toussaint being interviewed after amazing buzzer beater game winner.

Buffaloes finish basketball season by making WTAMU history

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
March 30, 2021

The West Texas A&M University men’s basketball team finished their 2020-2021 season as the runner-up of the Division II NCAA tournament and made WTAMU school history. The Buffs traveled to Evansville,...

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Is there a wall between church and state?

Op/Ed: Separation of Church and State: both sides

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
March 9, 2021

It’s a known fact that the fundamental truths for America lay in The First Amendment. Freedom of religion being the first amendment listed, it’s obviously one of, if not the most, important amendment...

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Governor Greg Abbott lifts mask mandate.

BREAKING NEWS: Governor Greg Abbott lifts mask mandate in Texas

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
March 4, 2021

On Tuesday, March 2, 2021, Governor of Texas Greg Abbott announced that the state-wide mask mandate would be lifted and all businesses would be available to open with no restrictions. Abbott made the...

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Tik Tok is bringing us blasts from the past.

‘Oldies but ‘goodies’ resurfaced by Tik Tok

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
March 3, 2021

It’s no secret that Tik Tok has had a huge impact on society and its norms in the past two years. The social media platform has grown tremendously in users and creators of all ages and is even reaching...

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Lady Buffs back in action this spring semester

Lady Buff volleyball in full ‘swing’

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
February 23, 2021

The Lady Buffaloes have finally started their traditional season, but in a nontraditional way. Volleyball is usually played in the fall semester and was postponed due to COVID-19. That hasn’t stopped...

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Havuka Lund, the violinist that could.

The violinist that could

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
February 16, 2021

West Texas A&M University is home to many talented students who have won many national contests over the years. The School of Music continues the tradition with Havuka Lund, a senior music therapy...

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So you graduated... whats next?

The horrid thought of graduate school

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
February 2, 2021

So here we are, about the time one usually ends their college career and moves on to better things. It is year four, which brings the dreaded decision: shall I begin my career path in this world? Or shall...

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WandaVision: what is going on

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
January 26, 2021

On Jan. 15, 2021, Disney+ launched a new series through the Marvel Universe called WandaVision. There have been three episodes released since the launch. Wanda and Vision are two superheroes belonging...

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The Lady Buffs gearing up for Oklahoma Baptist.

Catching Up With the Buffs: what you missed over winter break

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
January 19, 2021

The West Texas A&M University Buffaloes and Lady Buffaloes have started their basketball season with full force. Both men and women’s teams only bearing one loss each continue in the success they...

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Being purple in the fight between red and blue

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
December 4, 2020

What a time it is to be alive, seriously. I’m not just talking about the pandemic, but the progressive era in America. The status quo is being pushed and people are finding their own opinions and voice...

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“The Caucasian Chalk Circle”: An outstanding WTAMU performance

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
November 19, 2020

On Nov. 12 and 13, The West Texas A&M University Theatre Department presented a livestream production of “The Caucasion Chalk Circle”, a play written by Bertolt Brecht and first produced in 1948. The...

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The Lady Buffs checking out the competition.

Lady Buff volleyball team beats Lubbock Christian Chaps

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
November 12, 2020

On Saturday, Nov. 7, the Lady Buff volleyball team beat the Lubbock Christian University Chaps not in just one game, but two. In the first game, the Lady Buffs took it in three out of four and in the second...

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An accurate representation of what quarantine felt like, displayed by Kitty.

Life with COVID-19: A true story

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
November 5, 2020

On Oct. 13, I tested positive for COVID-19. My first thought was, “Oh no, I’m adding to the West Texas A&M University’s statistics,” but I soon realized that being a statistic is not the most...

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Veterinary Education, Research and Outreach center is almost ready for students for the fall of 2021.

WTAMU VERO program expands with new faculty and high hopes

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
October 30, 2020

The West Texas A&M University Veterinary Education, Research and Outreach program plans on accepting students and beginning classes in the fall of 2021. This program will allow pre-veterinary students...

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Early voting is underway

Early voting is underway

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
October 20, 2020

Early voting began Tuesday, Oct. 13 in the state of Texas and will end on Friday, Oct. 30. Early voting gives citizens a chance to vote before election day, which is Nov. 3, 2020. Shannon Lackey, Randall...

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University traditions: the big ‘whoop’ and 11 others

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
October 8, 2020

Every university has their special traditions, whether they involve senior rings, special days or game-time rituals, but if you live in Texas or are familiar with Texas culture, you know that Texas A&M...

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Fall time means spooky movie time.

Top five must-see spooky movies

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
October 1, 2020

Fall is here and Halloween is coming up, that means it’s time for spooky movies. There are different types of spook movies, paranormal, gory and even witchcraft. There are so many options and just about...

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First football game in Buffalo Stadium against Oklahoma Panhandle State University.

Buffaloes beat OPSU in first football game of the season

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
September 24, 2020

On Saturday, Nov. 19, The West Texas A&M University Buffaloes beat the Oklahoma Panhandle State University Aggies in their first official game at J. Ferg Field at Buffalo Stadium. In the first...

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Pony Express Burritos location on campus at WTAMU.

Pony Express Burritos new location at WTAMU

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
September 17, 2020

On Aug. 14, 2020, Pony Express Burritos announced their new location on campus at West Texas A&M University. They have been fully functioning in the Jack B. Kelley Student Center since the start of...

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Bivins Nursing Learning Center located at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, TX., Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020

WTAMU Department of Nursing moves to Amarillo campus causing possible uncertainty for pre-nursing students

Emily Merrill, Former Editor in Chief
September 10, 2020

In Nov. 2019, Dr. Walter Wendler, president of West Texas A&M University, announced that the WTAMU Department of Nursing would be relocating to Amarillo. Not only does this move change things for current...

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