WT sees significant increase in grant proposals

Dan Butcher September 18, 2024

West Texas A&M University faculty submitted 46 percent more grant proposals, amounting to an 84 percent increase in requested dollars, in a year-over-year comparison, new figures show.

The increase shows a deepening commitment to being a Regional Research University, the singular goal of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

“This has been the most productive year for grant proposals in recent memory—maybe ever,” said Steve McLean, director of Sponsored Research Services at WT. “This shows that WT has an energetic faculty and supportive administrators. We have a great balance of new faculty and seasoned researchers actively pursuing grant funding.”

Faculty members across WT’s six Colleges submitted 121 grants in fiscal year 2024, requesting $39.5 million from federal, state and private funders.

The time between submission and awarding of a grant can stretch from six to 16 months, but among the already-awarded grants of the FY24 cycle include those to modernize labs, secure new instrumentation, fund student-support initiatives and mentorship programs, expand research capabilities, foster regional and national collaboration, and translate advanced technology into practical applications.

“Research provides new directions and solutions for current problems, increases attention and sensitivity toward complex issues, gives voice to our communities, removes barriers, creates new products and processes, and has the power to propel humanity forward,” said Dr. Angela Spaulding, vice president for research and compliance and dean of the WT Graduate School .

Focusing on regionally impactful research isn’t a limiting quality, said WT President Walter V. Wendler.

“Simply put, the overall purpose of a Regional Research University is to serve regional students and regional needs first, believing that if the institution can’t serve locally first, it will serve nowhere well,” Wendler said. “By focusing first on the region, the needs of similar regions across the nation and world will benefit from its attention, research and resolution of the challenges and opportunities that characterize the region.”