Puff Niegos
Buffalo Council Founder Letricia ”Puff” Niegos’ service to her community encompasses her work with organizations such as the Amarillo Area Foundation, FirstBank Southwest, Golden Spread Council of Boy Scouts of America, WTAMU Foundation, and the WTAMU Center for Learning Disabilities.
The seed for Niegos’ enthusiasm for West Texas A&M University was no doubt planted before she was born when her father, Bill Piehl, graduated from West Texas State College in 1960 with a degree in agriculture and economics. He later founded the family business, Western Sales and Testing of Amarillo, where Niegos has served as Treasurer and CFO. Piehl’s love for WT was honored when his family created the Bill Piehl Agriculture Scholarship after his passing.
Niegos received a BBA in Accounting from SMU in 1985 and upon earning her CPA license, returned to Amarillo to work for the family business.
Along with her mother and sister, Niegos has supported WTAMU through scholarships, endowments, research, athletic support, and community programs. In addition, they have supported Texas 4-H Foundation, Panhandle Tech Prep, Samaritan Pastoral Counseling, and several arts organizations.
Niegos says of higher education:
“Education is vital to economic growth in our region. WTAMU continues to meet the educational needs of our citizens while giving back to our communities. We all benefit from investing resources to strengthen this outstanding institution of higher education.”