
Welcome to our Fall 2024 semester newsletter! This edition captures the vibrant energy of the season and our commitment to academic and professional excellence. As we embark on the Fall 2024 semester, we embrace change and growth, reflecting on our journey and the exciting opportunities ahead.
This time of year, brings a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. Whether welcoming new students, launching innovative programs, or celebrating the achievements of our faculty and alumni, the energy on campus is palpable. We are building on the momentum of past successes while embracing new opportunities that push us toward even greater heights. With the beginning of the Fall 2024 semester, I am filled with excitement and reflection. This season always brings a renewed sense of purpose and possibility; this year is no exception.
Our traditional “Buff Branding” event, though moved indoors to Legacy Hall due to the extreme Texas heat, was a resounding success. The decision to relocate was made with the safety and comfort of our community in mind, and I am pleased to report that it did not dampen our spirits in the slightest. The cool, inviting atmosphere of Legacy Hall provided the perfect setting for our new students, faculty, and staff to connect, share experiences, and form valuable relationships that will undoubtedly enrich their academic journey. The energy was present as conversations flowed, laughter echoed, and new friendships were forged. These connections are the foundation of our college community, and I am thrilled to see them take root so early in the semester.
It is with a heavy heart that we remember Paul Engler, who passed away on May 3, 2024. His legacy as a pioneer in the cattle-feeding industry and his philanthropic contributions to our college have left an indelible mark on our institution and the broader community. Paul’s entrepreneurial spirit, innovative vision, and unwavering commitment to education continue to inspire us all. His co-founding of Cactus Feeders in 1975, which grew to become one of the largest cattle-feeding operations in the world, is a testament to his business acumen and foresight.

Through the Paul F. and Virginia J. Engler Foundation, Paul’s impact on higher education has been profound. His generous support has provided vital funding for scholarships, professorships, and community outreach initiatives, opening doors of opportunity for countless students and enhancing our quality of education. Paul was more than a benefactor; he was a mentor and a friend to many in our college community. His wisdom, insights, and belief in the transformative power of education resonate deeply within our halls. As we move forward, let us honor his memory by embodying the values he championed: hard work, integrity, entrepreneurial spirit, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
I am excited to announce the launch of our Master of Science in Strategic Human Resources program, welcoming our inaugural cohort of fourteen students. This program will equip professionals with the advanced skills needed in today’s dynamic business landscape. I look forward to seeing how these students will grow and contribute to their organizations and the HR profession at large.
In our previous newsletter, I highlighted The Engler Societal Impact Research Grant. Drs. Salazar, Yarbrough, and Cantrell Robinson were recipients of the first grant, advancing region-centric business research. Their upcoming project, “HerBusiness Story: Narratives of Women Business Leaders of the Texas Panhandle,” will shed light on the experiences and challenges faced by women leaders in our region. They are preparing to present their research in a public forum, inviting participants to discuss women leaders’ challenges and successes in the Texas Panhandle. They also offer valuable insights into women leaders’ experiences and challenges in our region, contributing to our understanding of gender dynamics in business leadership.
This year has brought its share of unique challenges, yet our resilience and determination have genuinely stood out. This edition celebrates many accomplishments and inspiring success stories reflecting our unwavering commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. I am excited to present this newsletter’s ultimate collection of stories highlighting our college’s outstanding achievements, innovative initiatives, and considerable progress.
Our college is consistently innovating and evolving in remarkable ways. A highlight of this newsletter is our integration of Coursera into the curriculum. This past summer, the Engler College of Business and four other business schools in the A&M system were selected to participate in a pilot program incorporating Coursera into our business courses. This initiative enables students to earn industry-recognized credentials alongside their degrees, perfectly aligning with our mission to prepare them for the dynamic job market. By equipping students with specific, in-demand skills, we enhance their overall academic experience and boost their career readiness.
Another story feature is our progress in implementing the Engler Edge program. It continues to be a cornerstone of our educational philosophy, embedding the core values of integrity, innovation, collaboration, excellence, and leadership into our students’ academic experience. This program is not just about imparting knowledge but about shaping character and fostering a mindset that will serve our graduates well throughout their careers and lives.
Another story in this edition features our partnership with Quinncia, a leading provider of dynamic resume analysis services that represents our commitment to enhancing our students’ career readiness. This tool will help our students craft standout resumes, prepare for AI-based interviews, and enter the job market with confidence.
In this edition, we are excited to introduce two new faculty members: Dr. Abe Carr, an accounting expert from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Dr. Jimmy Kim, a faculty member specializing in entrepreneurship from the University of Pittsburgh.
This issue features our newly completed strategic plan for 2024-2029, “Navigating the Future of Business Education,” aligned with the “Pioneering Sprint: The Pursuit of the WT 125 Plan.”
On the research front, Dr. Hoffman’s groundbreaking work in game theory is highlighted, along with the impressive achievements of Drs. Chauhan and Clark in weightlifting competitions, highlighting their dedication inside and outside the classroom.
Finally, we celebrate the inspiring story of the Orthengren Brothers, who completed their master’s in accounting together and exemplify the lifelong bonds they formed here.
Dr. Amjad Abdullat
Dean, Engler College of Business