Rachel McLelland

STUDENT REGENT

Rachel McLelland was appointed as Student Regent for the Board of Regents of the Texas Tech University System (TTU System) on May 22, 2026, by Gov. Greg Abbott. McLelland serves on the Academic, Clinical and Student Affairs Committee. Her one-year term began on June 1, 2026, and will expire on May 31, 2027.

McLelland, who is from Tijeras, New Mexico, is a student at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), where she is pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree at the School of Medicine. She graduated from Texas Tech University (Texas Tech) in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in anthropology and general studies, with minors in chemistry, biology, and health professions.

Throughout her academic career, McLelland has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and service at TTUHSC and in the Lubbock community. Her involvement has included serving as president of the Hands-On Clinical Skills and No One Dies Alone programs, research coordinator for the Orthopaedic Interest Group and a Mentor in Medicine participant, where she has guided undergraduate students through the medical school application process.

Additionally, she has served as a Dean’s Ambassador for the School of Medicine since 2021. Outside the classroom, she volunteers as a NICU cuddler at a local hospital and provides peripheral artery disease screenings and patient counseling at a free clinic. While at Texas Tech, she also served as the 2015-16 Masked Rider, making 305 public appearances representing the university.

McLelland is currently a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force Reserve. Upon completing medical school and residency, she will serve as an active-duty physician in the United States Air Force.

McLelland becomes the 21st student to serve on the Board of Regents and the eighth student from TTUHSC.