Chancellor and University Presidents Discuss the State of the TTU System During Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Event
Sept. 19, 2025 | Contact: Kristina Butler
The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual State of the Texas Tech University System (TTU System) luncheon on Tuesday (Sept. 16) at the Overton Hotel and Conference Center. Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., led the discussion with the presidents of all five component institutions, offering an overview of recent achievements and upcoming priorities across the system.
The panel featured Texas Tech University (TTU) President Lawrence Schovanec, Ph.D.; Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center President Lori Rice-Spearman, Ph.D.; Angelo State University President Ronnie Hawkins Jr.; Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso President Richard Lange, M.D., M.B.A.; and Midwestern State University President Stacia Haynie, Ph.D. Together, they discussed highlights from the 2025 legislative session, the TTU System鈥檚 economic impact, efforts in workforce development and the strategic direction for the future of the System and each university.
The 2025 legislative session proved to be a landmark year for the TTU System, securing broad-based support for initiatives benefiting all institutions. Funding priorities included cancer care and rural health care resources for the health-related institutions, along with investments in military education, critical infrastructure and national security efforts at the general academic campuses.
Panelists highlighted the TTU System鈥檚 growing economic footprint. Since 2021, the system鈥檚 statewide impact has increased by $2.8 billion, now totaling $19.2 billion annually. For every $1 the Texas Legislature invests in the TTU System, the state economy gains nearly $21 in return. Alumni contributions to the state workforce reached $10.3 billion 鈥� an increase of more than $1 billion in just three years 鈥� while the system鈥檚 total employment effect rose to 57,000 jobs, up by more than 10,000 during the same period.
The discussion turned to enrollment trends, with each president noting that student numbers are up across all TTU System institutions. This growth is particularly significant given the national concerns surrounding the looming 鈥渆nrollment cliff鈥� tied to a declining population of traditional-aged students and those seeking to attend college, and those who wish to attend out-of-state institutions.
鈥淢ost people don鈥檛 understand what an accomplishment that is,鈥� said Mitchell. 鈥淚t tells you that, in spite of the fact that schools are struggling to get students to come to their universities, all five of our universities are hitting records, which speaks to the quality of the education and reputation that the folks in the system have.鈥�
Looking ahead, leaders emphasized major priorities such as TTU鈥檚 pursuit of Association of American Universities (AAU) membership. AAU represents the nation鈥檚 top research institutions, and TTU is nearing the benchmarks in multiple areas. Initiatives such as the Texas University Fund, the National Security Initiative and expanded research partnerships are positioning the university to reach this 10-year goal.
Honoring Chancellor Mitchell
The luncheon also provided an opportunity to recognize Chancellor Mitchell and First Lady Janet Tornelli-Mitchell, M.D., for their service to the TTU System, Lubbock and the West Texas community. Local state lawmakers 鈥� including Sen. Charles Perry, Speaker Dustin Burrows and Rep. Carl Tepper 鈥� presented Mitchell with signed and framed resolutions from both the Texas Senate and House of Representatives.
Adding a personal note, the university presidents briefly reversed roles and posed questions to the Chancellor, reflecting on his leadership and its impact on the system. When asked about his legacy, Mitchell emphasized the importance of values over personal recognition.
鈥淟egacy doesn鈥檛 matter,鈥� said Mitchell. 鈥淲hat matters is the culture of servant leadership. Starting with the five folks who are up here. That鈥檚 it.鈥�
The event closed with a video tribute featuring family, friends, legislators, city officials, members of Congress and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
Mitchell announced his retirement in July. Earlier this month, the TTU System Board of Regents unanimously named Texas Sen. Brandon Creighton as the sole finalist to succeed him. Under state law, the board must wait 21 days after naming a finalist before confirming the appointment, which is expected later this fall.
About the 麻豆天狼副利院
Established in 1996, the 麻豆天狼副利院 is one of the top public university
systems in the nation, consisting of five universities 鈥� , , , and .
Headquartered in Lubbock, Texas, the TTU System is a more than $3 billion enterprise focused on advancing higher education, health care, research and outreach with approximately 21,000 employees and 64,000 students, more than 400,000 alums, a statewide economic impact of $19.2 billion and an endowment valued at $3 billion. In its short history, the TTU System has grown tremendously and is nationally acclaimed, operating at 20 academic locations in 16 cities (15 in Texas, one international).
In addition, the TTU System is one of only nine in the nation to offer programs for undergraduate, medical, law, nursing, pharmacy, dental and veterinary education, among other academic areas.