In the area of academic photography, Rik Andersen has an in-depth knowledge of the challenges involved in capturing the needed images of a college campus by working in a university communication office for almost 30 years.  Shooting everything from athletics to the classroom, Andersen has invaluable experience, including photographing WT’s live buffalo mascot.  He has photographed everyone from a former President of the United States (Clinton) to the Governor of Texas (Perry) and his wife (a WT graduate) to the faculty, staff and students at a university.  From small tabletop objects to campus vistas, Andersen has accomplished visual compositions used in a full range of university publications.

 

Andersen decided to become a photographer while in a high school journalism class.  “At the time, I was thrilled to photograph events and my fellow students,” Andersen said.  “But what was really exciting was to see my work being used in print.” 

 

After starting his higher education journey at Texas Tech, Andersen decided the large university wasn't for him and returned to his hometown to attend both Amarillo College and West Texas State University.  As an undergrad at WT, he worked on the college yearbook and newspaper.  After completing his master’s degree at West Texas A&M University, Andersen also taught the University’s only photography class.

 

At the same time he was pursuing academic degrees, Andersen also was continuing his career.  His early professional life included working at several area portrait studios, enhancing his photographic skills.  In 1992, he started a career at West Texas A&M University as the University’s photographer - a career that eventually spanned almost 30 years.  His portrait background provided important tools for studio work and created a foundation for his chosen profession.  The position with the University allowed Andersen to expand his use of photography to become a photo generalist; a person who uses a multitude of photographic techniques to fulfill the requirements of the job.

 

While working at WT, Andersen won numerous honors, including best-in-the-nation awards for his photography from College Sports Information Directors of America and from Admissions Marketing Report.  The University also recognized Andersen with its highest staff award, the Clarence E. Thompson Award, in 1999.  He retired from the university in 2020 and was asked to return part-time.  He re-retired in 2024.  That same year, Andersen was inducted into the West Texas A&M University, Department of Communication, Hall of Fame.

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In his retirement, Andersen has done freelance work for Amarillo College, Texas Tech Alumni magazine, Sam Houston State University, and of course, for his alma mater, West Texas A&M University.