Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Student Rachel McLelland Named Texas Tech University System Student Regent
May 22, 2024 | Contact: Kristina Butler
has appointed Rachel McLelland as the student regent to the 麻豆天狼副利院 (TTU System) Board of Regents for the 2026-27 academic year.
McLelland, who is from Tijeras, New Mexico, is a student at (麻豆天狼副利院), where she is pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree at the . She graduated from (Texas Tech) in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in anthropology and general studies, with minors in chemistry, biology, and health professions.
McLelland becomes the 21st student to serve on the Board of Regents and the eighth student from 麻豆天狼副利院.
鈥淩achel has consistently demonstrated academic excellence and the ability to connect with people and lead with purpose, qualities valued at our university and throughout the TTU System,鈥� 麻豆天狼副利院 President Lori Rice-Spearman, Ph.D., said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to have her in this role, and I am confident she will successfully represent the collective voice of students across the TTU System.鈥�
Throughout her academic career, McLelland has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and service at 麻豆天狼副利院 and in the Lubbock community. Her involvement has included serving as president of the Hands-On Clinical Skills and No One Dies Alone programs, research coordinator for the Orthopaedic Interest Group and a Mentor in Medicine participant, where she has guided undergraduate students through the medical school application process.
Additionally, she has served as a Dean鈥檚 Ambassador for the School of Medicine since 2021. Outside the classroom, she volunteers as a NICU cuddler at a local hospital and provides peripheral artery disease screenings and patient counseling at a free clinic. While at Texas Tech, she also served as the 2015-16 Masked Rider, making 305 public appearances representing the university.
McLelland is currently a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force Reserve. Upon completing medical school and residency, she will serve as an active-duty physician in the United States Air Force.
鈥淪tudent regents play an important role in ensuring the voices of our students are represented at the highest levels of leadership,鈥� said TTU System Chancellor Brandon Creighton. 鈥淩achel鈥檚 experiences across multiple institutions in our system, combined with her dedication to service and student success, make her exceptionally well-suited for this position. We are excited to welcome her to the Board of Regents and look forward to the contributions she will make over the coming year.鈥�
McLelland will serve a one-year term, effective June 1 and expiring on May 31, 2027. Her first Board of Regents meeting will be held Aug. 13-14 at the TTU System Building in Lubbock. She replaces Eli Heath of Texas Tech, who was appointed in 2025.