A Message from Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D.

Dear TTU System Supporters and Colleagues,

Tomorrow will mark the end of my first year since being appointed as Chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, while also serving as President of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. When accepting the post, it was in the best interest of TTUHSC and our universities for me to serve in this dual appointment because we were quickly approaching a key legislative session with critical funding on the table.

These last 12 months have been nothing short of incredible for our four universities. Among our many successes was completing a historic legislative session, which has transformed our system by adding two new professional degree programs and schools for dental and veterinary medicine.

As I reflect on this banner year, and the significant momentum and success we are experiencing at both the TTU System and TTUHSC, it was time to make a decision. Both institutions deserve to have chief executive officers solely dedicated to advancing their priorities and to achieving their highest potentials.

That’s why at the end of this month I will be closing my tenure as President of TTUHSC to focus my efforts fully on leading the TTU System as Chancellor.

As TTUHSC’s President for almost 10 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work and serve alongside some of the finest folks – our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and donors – who have made this one of the best universities in the nation.

Together, we have:

• Developed new academic programs creating unique opportunities to train future health care providers for West Texas and beyond;
• Successfully launched the first fundraising campaign for TTUHSC, and we’re close to reaching our $100 million goal;
• Made significant infrastructure improvements to all of our campuses;
• Increased our emphasis on research and its role in how we deliver health care; and
• Changed the culture of our campus community by identifying values that now drive how we approach our roles as TTUHSC students, faculty and staff.

To ensure stability during this transition, I am naming Dr. Lori Rice-Spearman as TTUHSC’s Interim President, effective Nov. 1, while a search for the next president is conducted. I have complete confidence in Lori’s ability to lead the university as she serves concurrently in her role as Provost and Chief Academic Officer. Lori has a servant’s heart for TTUHSC as this is not only her workplace but also her alma mater.

Serving as President of TTUHSC has been one of the most rewarding experiences. TTUHSC will always be a valued part of the TTU System and will continue to have my full support.

I want to thank everyone for their support in making this last year possible. I look forward to the many great things ahead for TTUHSC and for the TTU System as Chancellor.

Warmest regards,

Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D.
Chancellor, Texas Tech University System
President, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center