Texas Tech at a Glance
Texas Tech University aspires to a national reputation of excellence and performance in scholarship through teaching, research and service.
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The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center will be recognized nationally as a top-ranked health sciences university.
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Welcome to Texas Tech
A Challenge and a Vision
When the cornerstone of the first building was laid in 1924, Governor Pat Neff evoked a vision for the new college – a vision that still rings true more than 80 years later. Texas Tech "is not a local institution. It has its habitat here… but it is a state institution. It is not only for West Texas." He went on to urge that as the new college grew and matured, that it "lift its walls higher and higher."
Texas Tech Answers the Call
Texas Tech Answers the Call In 1969, Texas Technological College formally became Texas Tech University to reflect its growth into a diverse university with law and engineering schools, graduate school and an honors college.
Another milestone was reached in 1979 when the Texas Legislature expanded the medical school charter creating the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, to ultimately include schools of nursing, allied health, and pharmacy and a graduate school of biomedical sciences.
Reaching New Heights
In 1996, Texas Tech took another important step toward enlarging its vision and reach. The Board of Regents established the Texas Tech University System, appointing a chancellor to provide leadership and support for the combined academic enterprise. Regents Chair Ed Whitacre cited the size and complexity of the institution in making the change. "It's time," he said, "to take the university into the 21st century..."
A Decade of Achievement
The intervening decade has been one of growth, discovery and promise. The record reveals the progress that has been made. By the numbers, recent achievements include:
- $548 million in new construction for both universities since FY 2000
- $65.9 million private sector gifts, a $9.3 million increase over FY 2004
- $20 million Regents Faculty Endowment Program resulting in 13 new chairs and 18 professorships for both universities
- $484 million endowment, up from $407 million the previous year
From 1925, when classes began with fewer than 1,000 students, to 2006 with
7 university campuses, health sciences campuses in 4 cities, and students
from 111 countries and all 50 states reaching beyond
West Texas, to the state, the nation and the world...to be sure, Texas Tech maintains a focus toward the future where
from here, it's possible.
Our Mission
The mission of the Texas Tech University System is to provide leadership and support services for Texas Tech University and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in the attainment of each component's individual mission.