CANYON — West Texas A&M University (WT) announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Daniels Fund on Thursday, marking the first collaboration the charitable organization has entered into outside its traditional four-state region — Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. This strategic alliance aims to offer comprehensive tuition benefits to Daniels Fund scholarship recipients, significantly enhancing access to higher education for students in the region.
The Daniels Fund, established by Bill Daniels, a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, has committed over $260 million in scholarships to more than 5,000 students across Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. The fund empowers recipients to attend any university in the United States, providing flexibility and financial support to pursue their academic and career goals without the burden of debt. Historically, the Daniels Fund has supported approximately 900 scholars, with more than 22 currently enrolled at WT.
Under the new agreement, Daniels Scholars attending WT will receive what amounts to a full-ride scholarship. This includes coverage for housing, tuition, books, and other associated costs, allowing students to focus entirely on their studies and professional development.
“We are very pleased to partner with the Daniels Fund,” WT President Walter Wendler said. “This partnership covers the full cost of attendance, including housing, tuition, and books, allowing our scholars to focus on their education and career goals without financial stress.”
The partnership aligns with WT’s mission to foster economic growth in the Panhandle region by attracting talented students who are likely to remain and contribute to the local economy after graduation.
Raquel Lieurance, a sophomore and Daniels Scholar from Idalia, Colorado, shared her personal experience benefiting from the scholarship.
“Coming from a single-parent home and being a first-generation student, this scholarship made attending WT possible for me,” Lieurance said. “Without the Daniels Fund scholarship, attending WT would have been a distant dream. Financial constraints would have forced me to either delay my education or seek alternative paths that might not align with my career aspirations. This scholarship has not only provided the necessary funds but also the confidence to pursue my goals wholeheartedly.”
Lieurance emphasized the sense of belonging and support she feels as part of the Daniels Scholars community.
“Being surrounded by fellow scholars who are striving for the same goals creates a supportive environment that motivates me to excel academically and professionally,” she added. “It’s not just about the financial aid; it’s about being part of a network that encourages personal and academic growth.”
Josh Green, Senior Vice President of the Daniels Foundation’s Scholarship Program, emphasized the significance of the partnership in promoting educational opportunities and regional development.
“This partnership ensures that scholars can attend WT debt-free, allowing them to fully engage in their studies and contribute positively to the community,” Green said. “We are excited to expand our reach beyond the traditional four states and support the next generation of leaders in the Panhandle.”
The Daniels Fund has historically focused its scholarship programs within Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. This partnership with WT signifies a strategic expansion, aiming to tap into new talent pools and support regional economic growth in the Texas Panhandle.
“This is a distinctive opportunity for WT,” Wendler added. “We are the only Daniels Fund school outside of the four-state region, which highlights our commitment to supporting diverse and talented students. This partnership not only benefits the students but also strengthens our community by retaining skilled graduates who contribute to our local economy.”
WT offers several attributes that make it an attractive partner for the Daniels Fund:
With most WT graduates choosing to remain in the Texas Panhandle, the influx of Daniels Scholars is expected to have a positive ripple effect on the region’s economy and community development. The partnership is seen as a catalyst for attracting more students from Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, thereby enhancing the university’s recruitment efforts and fostering long-term regional prosperity.
“When scholars stay in the Panhandle, they become ambassadors for our community,” Green noted. “Their success stories inspire others and contribute to a vibrant, thriving region.”
The collaboration between WT and the Daniels Fund is anticipated to set a precedent for future partnerships, potentially opening doors for similar agreements with other charitable organizations. By reducing the financial barriers to higher education, the partnership aims to cultivate a more educated workforce, drive economic growth, and enhance the overall quality of life in the Texas Panhandle.
