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Former Regent Named TTU System Vice Chancellor, General Counsel

John Huffaker

John Huffaker, who received his bachelor’s and law degrees from Texas Tech, was editor-in-chief of the Texas Tech Law Review while he was on campus.

John Huffaker will provide legal counsel to the Texas Tech University System, coordinate institutional compliance and oversee legal teams at each university. 

February 1, 2012 | Written by Dailey Fuller

Officials at the Texas Tech University System announced Wednesday (Feb. 1) the hiring of John Huffaker, former member of the TTU System Board of Regents, as vice chancellor and general counsel. He will begin duties Feb. 13.

Huffaker will provide legal counsel to the TTU System and its component institutions, coordinate institutional compliance and oversee legal teams at each university.

“It has been a pleasure serving the Texas Tech University System as a member of the board for the last three years,” Huffaker said. “Texas Tech has always meant a great deal to me, and I look forward to contributing in this new role.”

Huffaker was appointed to the TTU System Board of Regents in February 2009 and served as chairman of the Finance and Administration Committee, vice chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Carr Scholarship Foundation and a member of the Audit Committee. He resigned from the board in January 2012.

“John is an outstanding attorney,” said Kent Hance, chancellor of the TTU System. “We were fortunate to have him serve as a regent and are excited to have such a distinguished and experienced leader join our organization.”

Prior to joining the system, Huffaker was an attorney and a shareholder in the Amarillo law firm of Sprouse Shrader Smith, P.C. His practice areas include agricultural law, bankruptcy, banking, commercial litigation and employment law. He is also board-certified in civil trial law.

Huffaker earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Texas Tech University in 1970 and law degree from the Texas Tech University School of Law in 1974. In law school, Huffaker served as editor-in-chief of the Texas Tech Law Review. He is married to Charlotte Warren Huffaker, a 1970 graduate of the Texas Tech University College of Human Sciences

Huffaker will replace Pat Campbell who will stay on to assist Huffaker through a transition period ending March 31, following a 30-year career with the TTU System and Texas Tech University.

“The Texas Tech University System thanks Pat for his many years of dedicated service to our system and universities,” Hance said. “His insight and expertise made Pat an invaluable member of our team, and we wish Pat the best.”

During his tenure with the TTU System and university, Campbell served as associate general counsel, general counsel, vice president and general counsel, and most recently as vice chancellor and general counsel.

“Texas Tech has made a great impact on my life and I am proud to have worked here,” Campbell said. “It has been an honor to work for the place that has given me so much.”