WT names Terry B. Rogers College of education after regional educator

West Texas A&M University has renamed the college of education and social sciences after Terry B. Rogers as part of a $5 million gift to the university’s One West campaign.

The Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences was unveiled in honor of the longtime regional educator, for her career and influence in the education community and contributions to the university.

“I hope today will be a celebration of all teachers,” Terry Rogers said. 

The announcement was made Wednesday at a news conference held at the Legacy Hall in the Jack B. Kelley Student Center at WT.

The naming of the college was a gift to Terry Rogers from her husband Dyke Rogers last Christmas as a part of the donation to the college’s fundraising campaign. The naming makes this the third named college of education out of all 37 public universities in the state of Texas.

“For me, this gift was two things. One, I really love my wife, and I wanted to do something to honor her time and legacy being a teacher. And I just thought, what better way to do that than naming the college after a real teacher, a real educator, a real principal? I thought this would be significant for both her and WT,” Dyke Rogers said.

In his speech, WTAMU President Dr. Walter Wendler said that almost 75% of the teachers and administrators across the school districts in the top 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle have one degree or certificate from WT. 

“Because nearly three-quarters of all the Panhandle’s teachers are educated here means we have an awesome responsibility. … Dyke and Terry, today you have helped make us better through your philanthropic support,” Wendler said.

Through the Dyke and Terry Rogers Leadership Education and Development program, or Rogers LEAD WT, the couple hopes to help support teachers and administrators from rural schools. They have announced plans to provide funds to help to all 50 LEAD scholarships “every year from today forward,” as well as plans to fund 20 annual scholarships for education majors and named professors at WT.

Arianna Stalder, a WT junior education major and Rogers LEAD WT student, spoke about her connection with the Rogers and how they have helped her reach her goal of being an educator.

“Terry really deserves this. She really cares a lot about education, and I’m glad that others get to see that passion and that the field of education is getting some recognition. I think students seeing money being poured into the education program will encourage other students to consider the field,” Stalder said.