Texas Sen. Brandon Creighton of Conroe is expected to be named the next chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, succeeding Tedd Mitchell, who will retire at the end of the year.
Multiple sources have confirmed to KCBD that State Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, is poised to be appointed as the next chancellor of the Texas Tech University System.
Since 2014, Creighton has been a voice for a segment of Southeast Texas in the Texas Senate, following his tenure in the Texas House of Representatives from 2007 to 2014. He obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin and later pursued a juris doctorate at Oklahoma City University.
As Chancellor Tedd Mitchell approaches his retirement at the end of the year, the selection takes on significant importance.
On Saturday, the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents convened, yet chose not to provide a public update regarding the ongoing search process. A reliable insider informed KCBD that an official announcement might be forthcoming by Thursday.
In a recent development, The Texas Tribune highlighted that Creighton and U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Lubbock, have emerged as key contenders in the ongoing selection process. Creighton's anticipated appointment received swift backing from Tech System leaders and peers across social media platforms over the weekend. On Sunday evening, Creighton took to social media to express his gratitude to the regents.
The Texas Tech University System is responsible for managing five academic institutions: Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Angelo State University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, and Midwestern State University. The educational system caters to a diverse population of over 63,000 students and boasts a workforce of more than 22,000 faculty and staff members spread across its various campuses.
Throughout his time in office, Creighton has established a reputation centered around the themes of higher education, workforce development, and economic growth. If confirmed, his role would involve leading the charge in promoting Tech’s strategic goals throughout Texas, encompassing research initiatives, medical education, and the expansion of enrollment.
Mitchell, in his role as chancellor since 2018, revealed earlier this year his intention to retire by the year's end. During his time in office, there was a notable increase in research funding and a significant expansion of the health sciences programs within the system.
