Gov. Perry Appoints Regents for TTU System
Rick Francis (El Paso) has been re-appointed; John Esparza (Austin) and Tim Lancaster (Abilene) are new.
February 14, 2013 | Written by Dailey Fuller
This afternoon (Feb. 14), Gov. Rick Perry announced his appointments to the Board of Regents for the Texas Tech University System. Rick Francis of El Paso has been re-appointed, and John Esparza of Austin and Tim Lancaster of Abilene are newly appointed members. Each of the three appointees will serve a 6-year term that ends Jan. 31, 2019.
“John Esparza and Tim Lancaster are great appointments to our Board of Regents,” said Kent Hance, chancellor of the TTU System. “I have known both for nearly 20 years, and they will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise from their successful careers and distinguished service to the state of Texas.”
“Rick Francis has been an outstanding member of our Board of Regents and has a strong passion for our institutions,” Hance said. “All three appointees are alumni of Texas Tech and have given back generously to their alma mater. The Texas Tech University System welcomes these members to the Board of Regents and looks forward to their leadership and service as we continue to progress.”
John Esparza Esparza is president and CEO of the Texas Motor Transportation Association. He is an executive officer of HELP Inc., and a member of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, Trucking Association Executives Council, Texas Society of Association Executives, and College of Media and Communication National Advisory Board at Texas Tech University. He is also vice-president and past three-term president of the St. Austin Catholic School Board, a committee member and past cubmaster of Austin Cub Scout Pack 34, and a volunteer for the Southwest Austin Pop Warner Football League. Esparza received a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University.
"It has been my honor to serve the state in many capacities throughout my career, but to do so for the university that is dear to my heart is truly humbling," Esparza said. "I look forward to serving with my fellow regents in continuing to build upon a solid foundation. Furthering the legacy of hard work and joint effort will ensure we remain the world class institution that we have become today."
Tim LancasterLancaster is president and CEO of Hendrick Health System. He is past board chairman of the Texas Hospital Association, a member of the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board and Healthcare Coalition of Texas Executive Committee, and a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He is also a board member of First Financial Bank of Abilene, a board and executive committee member of the Abilene Industrial Foundation, and past chairman of the Texas Association of Voluntary Hospitals and Abilene Chamber of Commerce. Lancaster received a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University and a master's degree in health care administration from Texas Woman's University.
“Being appointed to the Board of Regents is truly an honor, and I am very grateful to be chosen for this position," Lancaster said. "The universities of the Texas Tech University System have a tremendous impact on this region and our state, and I look forward to serving with my fellow regents to advance our universities to a new level of excellence.”
Rick FrancisL. Frederick "Rick" Francis is executive chairman of WestStar Bank and Francis Properties. He is a board member of the Medical Center of the Americas Foundation, Western Refining Inc. and BorderPlex Bi-National Economic Alliance, a board member and past chairman of Sierra Medical Center/ Providence Memorial Hospital and Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and past co-chairman of Paso del Norte Group. He is also a member of the Texas Philosophical Society, past director of the El Paso Chamber of Commerce and El Paso Club, past president of Boy Scouts of America Area 5 Rocky Mountain States, and a past member of the Texas Tech University Health Science Center at El Paso Dean's Advisory Board and TTU System Chancellor's Council. Francis received a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University and is a graduate of the Southern Methodist University Southwestern Graduate School of Banking. This will be Francis’ third term on the Board of Regents.
These appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.
About the Texas Tech University System
The Texas Tech University System is one of the top public university systems in the
state of Texas, consisting of three component institutions and operating at 12 academic
sites and centers. Headquartered in Lubbock, Texas, the TTU System has an annual
operating budget of $1.5 billion and approximately 17,000 employees focused on advancing
higher education, health care, research and outreach.
In 2012, total research expenditures approached $200 million and total enrollment exceeded 43,700 students for the first time in the TTU System’s history. Whether it’s contributing billions of dollars annually in economic impact or being the only system in Texas to house an academic institution, law school, and medical school at the same location, the TTU System continues to prove that anything is possible.