Betty Wagner

Betty Wagner moved to Wichita Falls as a young bride in 1952. She found the Midwestern University campus on her second day in town. And for more than 60 years, she has been taking advantage of all the University has to offer.

In gratitude for all that the University has given her throughout the years, Betty has named Midwestern State University as a beneficiary of the Wagner-Wagner Living Trust that will one day establish the Betty M. Wagner Music Scholarship Endowment in honor of Dr. E. Kent Hughes.

Betty began singing in the church choir at the age of 4; and though she spent 35 years in the banking industry, her love of music continued throughout her life. Soon after locating the campus, Betty began taking voice lessons on campus from Professor Bill Boland. Later, she took lessons from Professor Charlene Underwood and today continues her weekly lessons with Dr. Don Maxwell.

Through her lengthy involvement in the University’s music program, Betty grew to understand how difficult it is for students to attend classes, music labs, lessons, and practice sessions while trying to work part-time jobs. It is her hope that these scholarships will help people “who are willing to work hard and make a go of it.” The Wagner Scholarship will provide aid for music students with a preference for students studying vocal performance.

In addition to voice lessons, Betty attends performances and events on campus, has occasionally enrolled in classes, and is an active member of the new Lifelong Learning Center.

“I love living in a university town,” she said about her years in Wichita Falls. “You can never say I don’t have anything to do. There’s no way you could possibly attend everything on campus.”

Setting up a trust and knowing that a plan is in place gives her a sense of pride, gratitude, and relief. Betty encourages others to make a list of their assets and to take time to write down their personal goals and think about how they want to give back to the people and organizations that are important to them.