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BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Neil Terry, a longtime academic leader at West Texas A&M University, was approved today to serve as the university’s interim president by The A&M University System Board of Regents.

Terry currently serves as executive vice president and provost.

“Neil Terry gives West Texas A&M University a steady hand on the reins at an important moment,” said Robert L. Albritton, chairman of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. “He knows WT, he knows the Panhandle and he understands what this university means to the students, families and communities it serves. The Board appreciates his willingness to lead during this transition as we conduct a national search for the university’s next president.”

Terry, who does not intend to apply for the full-time position, would succeed President Walter V. Wendler, who has announced his retirement effective Sept. 1.

“West Texas A&M University has been an important part of my life for many years, and I deeply believe in the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters who make the institution special,” Terry said. “I look forward to working with various stakeholders in efforts to prepare a positive path for the next permanent president.”

Terry joined WT in 1997 as an assistant professor of economics. He later served as associate professor of economics and director of graduate business programs before being named dean of the College of Business in 2006. He served as dean until 2020, when he became executive vice president and provost.

During his time as dean, WT’s College of Business earned initial AACSB accreditation and later accreditation reaffirmation. College of Business enrollment increased from 1,200 to more than 2,800 students during his tenure as dean. Terry also played an important role in the 2017 naming of the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business.

As provost, Terry has helped lead WT’s academic operations, accreditation work, faculty development and student success efforts. His CV also notes his role in university’s 2026 SACSCOC reaffirmation, the addition of endowed faculty positions and support for scholarship growth across the university.

Terry holds a Ph.D. and master’s degree in economics from Texas Tech University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from California State University at Sacramento. He also completed Harvard University’s Management Development Program for higher education leadership.

Terry is the Paul Engler Professor of Economics and has taught labor economics, macroeconomic theory and microeconomic theory. His research has focused on economics, business education, student performance, online learning, banking, business cases and other applied economic topics.

“Neil Terry has earned the trust of West Texas A&M University through years of serious, steady work on behalf of its students, faculty and academic mission,” said Chancellor Glenn Hegar. “He has helped shape WT from the classroom, the College of Business and the provost’s office, and he understands both the daily work of running a university and the long-term responsibility of serving this region. I am grateful he is willing to step into this role and keep the university moving forward while the national search continues.”

A nationwide search to find WT’s next permanent president will begin this summer.