West Texas A&M University announces College of Fine Arts and Humanities dean to retire

CANYON, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – West Texas A&M University announced that the longtime leader of its Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities, Dr. Jessica Mallard, will retire at the end of the 2023-2024 academic year.

Mallard joined WT in 2002 and was named dean in 2012, as noted by university officials. Her successor will be named following what WT described as a nationwide search.

“I work with great students, great faculty and great staff,” Mallard said. “When I was first thinking of taking the dean position, my husband Chuck said, ‘You’re one of the few people I know who wakes up excited to go to their job.’ And that’s still true… WT is a great place to work, a great atmosphere, I’m going to miss it.”

WT officials further noted that Mallard will be missed by the university.

“Dr. Mallard has provided important leadership through her various roles in the College, including her tenure as Dean,” said WT President Walter V. Wendler. “Jessica’s passion for the arts and humanities, along with her dedication to students, will leave an indelible mark on the College and WT. Her legacy will continue to inspire long after her well-deserved retirement.”

“Dean Mallard has been an uplifting force since the beginning of her service time as dean,” said Dr. Neil Terry, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “The University community is grateful for Jessica’s commitment to students and her collaborative leadership approach during her tenure. We wish her and her husband, Charles, many years of happy, well-earned retirement.”

WT officials announced that The Jessica Mallard Scholarship fund has been established in Mallard’s honor by the Office of Academic Affairs, with a minimum of $1,000 to be given annually to one or more communication students beginning in fall 2024.

“I think I’ve helped bring the College together,” Mallard said. “When I started, I got to know the faculty and found out what they needed. And to this day, when I interview faculty candidates, I tell them that the role of the dean is to help faculty and students be successful.”

During her time at WT, Mallard oversaw the addition of eight new endowed professorships among her faculty as well as newly added positions in the Department of Art, Theatre and Dance. Mallard also helped expand The Arts at WT Subscription Series, and during her final year oversaw 100 faculty members and more than 1,000 students across her College’s six academic areas.

WT noted that in her spare time, Mallard has developed her own skills as an artisan with both jewelry and pottery making.

“Chuck and I are moving to Cosa Rica, and there’s a gift shop there that will sell my products,” Mallard said. “I’m open to new adventures. We just want to figure out what makes us happy.”

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