Texas Tech System leaders remark on chancellor's retirement announcement

On Friday, the longest-serving chancellor in Texas Tech University System history announced his plans to step down , prompting many former and current Tech system leaders to share words of gratitude for the outgoing chancellor.

TTU System Chancellor Dr. Tedd Mitchell announced his plans to retire after serving as the chancellor for the past 7 years.

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In his role as chancellor, Mitchell acts as the CEO of the system, working with its governing board — the TTUS Board of Regents — and the five component universities' presidents and leadership, in shaping the future of higher education in the South Plains, Panhandle, Permian Basin, and West Texas.

Mitchell, along with each respective president, oversees the education of over 62,000 medical, law, dental and general academic students within the system at:

• Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

• Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo.

• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock.

• Angelo State University in San Angelo.

• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso.

• Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls.

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As Mitchell is set to bid farewell in the next year, many former leaders and current leaders of the Texas Tech System have remarked and thanked the chancellor for his many years of leadership. Here's what they are saying.

TTU System Board of Regents Chairman Cody Campbell

Chairman Cody Campbell helps oversee the governing board of the Texas Tech System and is a position that works closely with the chancellor of the system.

While his tenure as chairman might have just started, Campbell has been a part of the governing board since 2021 when he was appointed as a regent by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

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Following the announcement of the Chancellor Mitchell's retirement, Campbell released the following statement through a system news release:

"On behalf of the  Board of Regents  and the entire Texas Tech University System, I want to thank Chancellor Mitchell for a tremendous length of service, first as president of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and then as chancellor of our system." "

"Throughout his tenure, Tedd has led the charge to transform our system and advance innumerable historic initiatives for our universities, and in doing so, has improved countless lives in West Texas, across our state and around the country. We are grateful for his wisdom, innovative spirit and far-reaching impact, and congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement."

Immediate Past Chairman of the TTUS Board of Regents Mark Griffin

Texas Tech alumnus Mark Griffin worked with Chancellor Mitchell for several years, serving on the TTU System's Board of Regents in helping the system achieve significant milestones across the five component universities of the system.

During his tenure, Griffin served as vice-chairman of the board when Mitchell officially welcomed Midwestern State University into the system as the 5th institution and also helped guide the system through the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Griffin was ultimately named chairman of the board prior to Cody Campbell taking the reins. Griffin released the following statement:

"Dr. Mitchell's service at both the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Texas Tech University System has positioned these valued institutions and all components for greatness. His values and servant leadership are one-of-kind, and inspired record growth, research and scholarship that has forever changed the culture, reputation and perception of the entire enterprise. It was a distinct and personal honor to serve along side him, and I wish Tedd and Janet the very best."

Texas Tech Health Sciences President Lori Rice-Spearman

Rice-Spearman is the successor to Mitchell, as she was named interim president of TTUHSC in Lubbock and later became president.

However, prior to being named the 8th president of the university and the first female president in the system, Rice-Spearman served as then-President Mitchell's chief academic officer and provost, and dean of the School of Health Professionals.

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In a statement, President Rice-Spearman said:

"Chancellor Mitchell's leadership has left an indelible mark on Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and the entire Texas Tech University System. His visionary approach, values-driven leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing health care and higher education have transformed our university and the communities we serve."

"His guidance during our first comprehensive fundraising campaign, a $100 million initiative, expanded our mission and deepened our impact in meaningful ways. We are deeply grateful for his service and wish him and his family all the best in this next chapter."

Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovancec

Leader of the system's flagship school, Schovanec serves as the 17th president of Texas Tech University and also, for a time, worked alongside Mitchell when was was president of TTUHSC.

In a statement, Schovanec said:

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" I have been fortunate to work alongside Dr. Mitchell for many years and to witness, up close, the depth of his character and honesty. His dedication to serving our universities and our students and advancing the System for the benefit of the state of Texas has made a lasting impact on Texas Tech University and the entire System. It has been a privilege to work for him and with him, and I am grateful for his friendship and guidance. I wish him and Janet all the best in this next chapter. "

According to Mitchell's announcement, he will remain in his position as chancellor until the Board of Regents of the system appoints his successor within the next year.

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 leaders on chancellor's retirement announcement