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Midwestern State University Joins the Texas Tech University System

Midwestern State University became the fifth member institution of the Texas Tech University System on Wednesday, Sept. 1.

Sept. 1, 2021 | Contact: Scott Lacefield

The Texas Tech University System (TTU System) welcomed Midwestern State University (MSU Texas) as its fifth and newest member institution on Wednesday, Sept. 1, as university presidents and system officials gathered for a ceremonial special-called Board of Regents meeting on the MSU Texas campus in Wichita Falls.

J. Michael Lewis, chairman of the TTU System Board of Regents, convened the meeting and following his opening remarks, a video from the TTU System welcomed the MSU Texas Mustang family with warm sentiments from numerous individuals.

Chairman Lewis recognized the retiring MSU Texas Board of Regents and thanked each of the regents for their collaboration throughout the partnership-building process. He praised the leaders for their collective wisdom and vision as their dedication has positioned MSU Texas for continued greatness for generations to come.

Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., provided remarks and recognized retiring President Suzanne Shipley, Interim President James Johnston, state elected officials—including Gov. Greg Abbott, state Rep. James Frank and state Sen. Drew Springer—while also providing thanks to the TTU System Board of Regents, MSU Texas Board of Regents and the leadership teams from the component universities and System Administration.

“Today we are making history as Midwestern State University joins the Texas Tech University System,” Mitchell said. “I could not be more proud of the work everyone has done to make this partnership a reality.”

Shipley, who retired on Aug. 31 after completing six years at the helm of MSU Texas, concluded her presidency with comments reflecting on the welcome the TTU System has provided to MSU Texas. Shipley ended her remarks, left the podium and exited the conference room to a standing ovation from the near capacity crowd in attendance of the meeting.

Shipley, a Texas Tech University alumna, said this moment was the proudest moment in her life – where her past joins her present.

“As you can imagine it is a bittersweet day for all of us who have to say goodbye to the old way of doing things and welcome in the new,” Shipley said. “But your welcome has been so enthusiastic. I don’t know a single person who isn’t as thrilled as we have all been to join the system. I know I will always be so proud to have been the president to help lead this transition.”

Mark Griffin, vice chairman of the TTU System Board of Regents, presented a resolution from the TTU System Board of Regents honoring the MSU Texas Board of Regents and MSU Texas leadership in recognition and appreciation of their collaborative spirit throughout the partnership process.

“The Board of Regents of the Texas Tech University System on this date, Sept. 1, 2021, does hereby extend its heartfelt appreciation to the Midwestern State University Board of Regents, administration, students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends for the vision and commitment to the betterment of higher education in Texas,” Griffin said while reading the resolution before the crowd in attendance of the meeting.

MSU Texas Vice Chairwoman Nancy Marks, who was presented the resolution by Lewis and Griffin, made remarks on behalf of the retired MSU Texas board members thanking the TTU System Board of Regents for their efforts during the process of bringing the Mustangs into the system.

MSU Texas Vice Chairwoman Nancy Marks

“As you are aware, this has been a very long process,” Marks said. “But it has provided an excellent opportunity for our faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners to enter into a very meaningful dialogue regarding MSU Texas – who we are, where we’ve been and where we see ourselves in the future. Our goal has always been to do what is best for this university and the students we will serve into our next century.

“With our united commitment to MSU Texas, I believe the best is yet to come, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Thank you – and go Mustangs,” Marks said.

Johnston later led a presentation on the history of MSU Texas and gave an overview of the key programs and operations of the university.

The final item of business for the meeting was the presentation of a video message provided by Gov. Abbott, who congratulated both MSU Texas and the TTU System on this historic milestone.

About the Texas Tech University System
Established in 1996 and headquartered in Lubbock, Texas, the Texas Tech University System is a $2.5 billion, higher-education enterprise focused on advancing higher education, health care, research and community outreach. Consisting of five universities – Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Angelo State University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso and Midwestern State University – the TTU System collectively has more than 63,000 students, operates at 23 academic locations in 20 cities (18 in Texas, 2 international), has more than 315,000 alumni and an endowment valued at over $1.3 billion.

During the 87th Texas Legislature under the leadership of Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., the TTU System welcomed MSU Texas as its fifth member institution during the 25-year anniversary of the system. MSU Texas is the only Texas university to become a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. Students at MSU Texas choose from more than 60 majors and several pre-professional programs, are active in more than 100 student organizations and bring a spirit of competition to 13 NCAA Division II athletics programs.

In addition, the Texas Tech University System is one of only nine in the nation to offer programs for undergraduate, medical, law, nursing, pharmacy, dental and veterinary education, among other academic areas.