Texas Tech System Chancellor set to retire within a year after 15 years of leadership
After serving 15 years in various leadership roles in the Texas Tech University System and Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, Chancellor Dr. Tedd Mitchell has decided to take a step back.
On Friday, Mitchell, who is now 63 and was appointed as the 5th chancellor of the TTU System in 2018, announced his plans to retire within the next year.
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"For more than 15 years, I've had the greatest honor of serving this incredible enterprise, first as President of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and for the past several years as Chancellor of the Texas Tech University System," Mitchell said in a letter.
He went on to say that it was a "true privilege and joy" to carry the baton as chancellor, but feels that it is his time to pass it to someone new.
Under Mitchell's leadership, the TTU System has been able to help accomplish monumental milestones, alongside the five component universities in the system and the system's Board of Regents.
"Throughout my tenure, I've been privileged to lead through periods of tremendous growth and transformation, working alongside extraordinary leaders, faculty, staff and students across our five universities," Mitchell said. "Their commitment to higher education, research, health care and service continues to inspire me every day."
Some of those include the expansion of the system to include the creation of the TTUHSC El Paso Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine, the inclusion of Midwestern State University in 2021 and the creation and opening of the Texas Tech University Veterinary School in 2022 in Amarillo — the first new vet school in Texas in over 50 years.
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Most importantly, Mitchell has served the longest tenure in the system leadership of any of his predecessors as both president and chancellor.
Mitchell cited the reason for his departure as wanting to spend more time with family, as they have been a central part of who he is.
"As I look toward this next chapter, I feel called to spend more time with my family, who have supported me throughout this journey," Michell said. "Grandkids – having now four with another one on the way – will have that effect on you."
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Mitchell noted that in the Board of Regents meeting in August, he will further discuss his decision and plans to retire, wanting to give enough time for the regents to find his successor.
"I remain forever committed to this system, its universities and mission, and I thank you all for your continued partnership, support and shared belief in the power and potential of the Texas Tech University System," Mitchel said in closing.
Mateo Rosiles is the Government & Public Policy reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Got a news tip for him? Email him: mrosiles@lubbockonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech System Chancellor Mitchell set to retire after 15 years
