Ever since West Texas A&M University President Walter Wendler started developing a new institute on campus to champion “Panhandle values,” he has publicly steered away from any political labels. Wendler even asked employees not to use the word “conservative” when describing the upcoming Hill Institute.
Alex Fairly, the wealthy donor who, along with his wife Cheryl, gave the university $20 million for the project, insists it will not be political.
But emails obtained by the Tribune through public records requests show Wendler has tapped influential conservatives across the state for feedback and advice on the project.
