Kent R. Hance
Chancellor Emeritus
Kent Hance serves as chancellor emeritus of the Texas Tech University System. He previously was the third and longest serving chancellor of the Texas Tech University System until his retirement in July 2014.
When Hance took office as chancellor in December 2006, the Texas Tech University System was comprised of only two universities—Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Under his leadership, the Texas Tech University System doubled in size, growing to four universities with the addition of Angelo State University in 2007 and creation of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso in 2013.
The Texas Tech University System also set records in enrollment, research and degrees awarded and Hance completed a billion-dollar capital campaign nearly a year early.
He also is a founding partner of his Austin-based law firm, Hance Scarborough, LLP. His firm’s primary focus is on state and federal administrative law, regulatory law and legislative law. In addition, he advises clients in oil, gas and other energy-related matters.
Hance earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Texas Tech University in 1965 and graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 1968. He returned to Lubbock to practice law and teach business law at Texas Tech University. In 1973, he was named an outstanding professor at Texas Tech University. Additionally, he taught a leadership seminar class while serving as chancellor and continues to teach this course as chancellor emeritus.
Hance began a career in politics in 1974 when he won a seat in the Texas State Senate. Four years later, he won election to the 19th Congressional District. In 1981, Hance authored and won passage of President Reagan’s tax bill, which remains the largest tax cut in American history. While a member of Congress, Hance served on the Ways and Means Committee, the Agriculture Committee and the Science and Technology Committee. After Congress, Hance won election to the Texas Railroad Commission.
Hance is a native of Dimmitt, Texas. He and his wife, Susie Hance, also an attorney, have five children and seven grandchildren.