BuffSpeak

Give a listen as Dr. Amjad Abdullat, Dean of the Engler COB, talks about the challenges facing colleges and schools of businesses, as well as the future of higher education in business.

“Societal Impact” can be a fuzzy subject, but it’s something we care about and work toward here. Take a minute to listen as Dr. Leslie Ramos Salazar explains what it means and why it’s important.

The field of Digital Marketing changes practically every week, and sometimes it is hard to keep up with it. Listen in as digital expert Mason Gray walks us through everything that is happening today.

A big behind-the-scenes aspect of the Engler College of Business is its commitment to continuous improvement, which is driven by our ongoing assessment of courses and programs. Tune in as Dr. Neil Meredith explains the process.

Podcast hosts are accustomed to asking questions. But what happens when a host becomes a guest? Listen to Skylar Gallop of Hey Amarillo tell her story and answer all the hard questions.

It is not all that unusual to encounter married academics. But in the same discipline? Tune in to listen to a pair of Econ profs tell how they navigate these waters.

What started as a small attempt to help students obtain professional clothing has turned into a year-long effort. Meet the keepers of the Clothing Closet helping students be dressed to kill.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is our gem out on the High Plains, and the secret is out: It is one of the biggest tourism draws to the region. Tune in as a Park admin and volunteer tell the story of this natural wonder.

If there is anyone in the COB who has done it all, it is Dr. Murray Jennex. Tune in for a story that will blow your mind.

Anyone who has been out to Palo Duro Canyon the last few years is probably familiar with the Sad Monkey Mercanmtile. Meet the two brothers who started it, naming it after a long-time favorite attraction in the park.

WT had such a successful time last year with Coursera professional certifications that it is back for another round! Join me as I chat with Dr. Mary Liz Brooks, our coordinator. 

With cannabis products available legally in a majority of US states, usage has never been higher (pun intended). But how does it affect career outcomes? Drs Shaffer and Li share the findings from their recent study.

It’s a popular hashtag these days on social media, especially among Gen Zers. But there have been many “indicators” for years. Listen as Dr. Neil Meredith dissects each of them.

The best communities are those that are accessible to all, regardless of how they move about. Meet Chris Pittman, whose new organization PATH is trying to do just that for Amarillo and Canyon.

There isn't a road map for these trying financial times, but there are experts to help lead the way. Tune in as '93 MBA Alum and wealth manager Anupam “AJ” Johri sorts through the obstacles.

Every day we are greeted by headlines pulling us into a never-ending stream of news related to the economy. It is inescapable. Economics Prof Eric Hoffman explains all we need to know about inflation, interest rates, and tariffs.

The West Texas Enterprise Center is here to coach existing and small business start-ups. Oh, and there's a pot of money available—$500,000 total—for those who wish to compete for a little cash infusion. Listen to Brian Enevoldsen tell how his organization helps area businesses.

Everyone wants to be an influencer these days, but the real money is in livestreaming. Tune in to a convo with a livestream phenom who has fans literally throwing money at him.

Nate Xu is one of our newest--and youngest--faculty members. In no time flat he hit stride with a major publication, and has endeared himself to his students. Give a listen as he tells how he got here from China, via Illinois.

What challenges do women business leaders face in this region? Professors Dr. Leslie Ramos-Salazar, Dr. Jillian Yarbrough, and Dr. Elaina Cantrell Robinson discuss their research, "Her Business Story: Narratives of Women Business Leaders of the Texas Panhandle."

A select group of College of Business students is being taught by a retired CEO and company President. They're learning Management from someone who spent his career doing it. David Hudson tells his story in this episode.

One of the most important documents a graduate owns is their resumé, the story of themselves. Kat Kane joins me to discuss Quinncia, an online tool to help COB students optimize theirs before they hit the job market.

Game theory is something that most of us do without even thinking about it, yet few know what it is or can fathom the math behind it. Listen as Economist Dr. Eric Hoffmann explains this phenomenon and his research in the field.

Higher Ed is about more than just the name of the school, it's about the ethos, the mindset that drives the brand. Give a listen as we explore the Engler Edge and how it sets our students apart from the rest.

The COB was recently selected to be part of an elite pilot program in the A&M System, and it's all about students earning professional certifications. Listen to Dr. Mary Liz Brooks as she explains this powerful program.

Somehow we've made it to the 40th episode overall without interviewing the Dean of the College of Business, Dr. Amjad Abdullat. We remedy that with this episode, and dive deep into the COB, Dr. Abdullat's vision for us, and much more.

Universities depend on there always being young adults coming of age and opting for higher education. But what happens when universities face a demographic cliff like the one coming? Tune in for a deep chat with Dr. Neil Terry, Provost and EVP at WTAMU.

Economics is often described as being the "dismal science," but as my three Econ Bros colleagues demonstrate, it is anything but!

It's one thing to have basic HR functions covered at the office, but our new MS degree in Strategic HR takes this to a whole new level.

Not all Mother Road travelers seek nostalgia. One person—Dr. Nolan Stolz—traveled it repeatedly to gain inspiration for an orchestral suite.

It's everywhere. We can't escape it, no matter how hard we try. Join the Marketing faculty as they pontificate on the issues of the day.

The changing nature of Texas demographics leaves us with no clear ethnic majority, and we are becoming increasingly bilingual. Jennifer Anguiano of the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce explains how the association helps connect businesses and customers in our diverse culture.

Corporations have faced crises since their inception, but social media has put companies in the crosshairs for every little thing they say. Dr. Kris Drumheller discusses what went wrong, and how to handle these crises.

One of the most complex distribution systems in the US involves getting alcoholic beverages from manufacturers to retailers, and ultimately to final consumers. J Pat Richmond spent his entire career with one company doing just that, and along the way, came back to school—WT, of course—to finish what he started.

Cities don't run themselves, they need City Managers. When everything is going well, no one says anything. But as soon as the traffic lights seem a little out of sync, or you hit the same pothole a couple of times, the City Manager starts feeling the heat. Joe Price is the City Manager of Canyon Texas, and is our guest on this episode of BuffSpeak. Listen in to learn what the City Manager does to make our lives better.

Elections can be among the most contentious times for voters, whether it be city, state, or local. After all, much is riding on the line, and sentiments often run high. Dr. Dave Rausch explains the ins and outs of elections in our country, the problems with polls, and the challenges of being a disinterested observer while commenting in local media.

Perhaps the most contentious subject in casual conversation is the weather. It's either too hot, too cold, too windy...too something! But when everything is perfect, the discussion subsides and we enjoy the moment. Our guest on this episode is John Harris, Chief Meteorologist at KAMR Channel 4 in Amarillo. We'll take a look at the intricacies of being a weather forecaster, the risks he takes in making those predictions, El Niño coming this winter, and the climate change being felt all around us.

They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The same can be said of Societal Impact, an imperative many universities and corporations embrace today. It's just up to each to figure out how they're going to make that impact. Join me with guest Dr. Kelly McCauley as she tells how she took her class down this road.

Sports is an American fixation. It matters not whether it is professional or amateur, we love a good game. Our guest on this pod is Dr. Brandli Sitzel, Sports Economist and Associate Professor of Economics here at WT. Together we take a deep dive into the arena of sport and all the money that gets spent along the way.

Change is a constant in modern culture, and much of it is centered on technology and innovation. Dr. Jeffry Babb has his finger on the pulse of this change, and is also Chair of the Sigma Lecture Series in the College of Business. Tune in for a chat about all of these changes in our lives, as well as this year’s Sigman Lecture.

Fandom is a many-splendored thing. It can be centered on sports teams, brands, and celebrities, as well as television shows and movies. Those fans have such deep-seated affinities that they will happily spend money, travel great distances, and do whatever it takes to participate in solo or group fandom activities. Marq Smith and Edward Candelaria are two people who know those affinities all too well. They took their leadership in Facebook groups for both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, and turned it into the Breaking Bad Store in Old Town Albuquerque. There fans can find all manner of souvenirs from the two shows, as well as tour their own private museum of show props, wardrobe, and other ephemera. Join us for a thought-provoking chat about what drives people to dive in so deep to something they hold so dear.

It’s time to turn the tables! This time Nick Gerlich gets to be the guest, and we introduce Elaina Cantrell Robinson as Guest Host for this special episode on Route 66. Gerlich has co-authored two books on 66, written dozens of magazine articles about it, and appeared on local media many times extolling the virtues of this ribbon of pavement. Join us for a lovely drive down the past lane.

When Joanna appeared on BuffSpeak a few months ago, we wound up leaving a lot of hot topics on the table. There’s simply so much to discuss in the field of business law, and we wanted to reprise that guest spot with a quick return to hit on pressing issues happening right here in Texas. 

Pizza is one of our greatest culinary mainstays. Some might even say guilty pleasures. At its core, pizza is a pretty basic food source, but once you dress it up, that’s when it can dance on the table. Brian Kelleher is our guest for this episode, and he’s been making pizzas in Amarillo for the better part of this century, both at the current 575 Pizzeria, and with an earlier incarnation. Listen in as he tells his story, as well as his recent decision to expand to the Dallas market.

Amarillo has been graced by the presence of Route 66 ever since its creation in 1926. With the Centennial of the Mother Road only a few years away, the Amarillo Convention & Visitor Bureau has partnered with several individuals and entities to create the first-ever Texas Route 66 Festival, which will be June 1-10 right here. And it’s just the beginning. Join guest Kashion Smith, Executive Director of the Amarillo CVB, as she tells the story.

It was quite the honor for Amarillo to be able to claim the National Teacher of the Year; it’s quite another that she–Shanna Peeples–is now on faculty at WT. That’s rarified air as far as education goes. And never mind that you can forget all those degrees of separation we heard about in the movies.

Non-profits are often overlooked when it comes to marketing, but they need the same marketing tools as do the for-profits. It’s just that they don’t have a profit motive. Broc Carter is the Director of Marketing & The Panhandle Gives Campaign at Amarillo Area Foundation, and he tells us how he spearheaded Giving campaigns through both a pandemic and a highly inflationary period.

Roadside attractions have long been the stuff of American highways. It’s just that most of them were created decades ago. Louie Keen, though, has set out to reinvent the genre in the modern era with his own quirky take on how to put smiles on travelers’ faces. And sell some fudge along the way.

He’s the face of WT, the captain of our ship. Dr. Walter Wendler is no stranger to academic, having been on faculty or in administrative roles for the better part of five decades. Tune in as our President talks about his plans for academics, athletics, and more.

It’s been in the news since late last year. Artificial Intelligence is being used to write blogs, social media posts, and even exam essays. Join us for a conversation with Dr. Joanna Kimbell, Clinical Assistant Professor of Business Law & Management, as we hash out ways to use AI responsibly, as well as how to control it in the classroom. Oh, and no AI was used to write this blurb!