Critical Vote Ahead - Register Today!
Oct. 10, 2023
Letter from Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec, Ph.D., and Texas Tech
University System Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D.
Dear Red Raider Family,
For the first time in almost 150 years, voters have an opportunity to approve an amendment
to the Texas Constitution that will establish a needed and sustainable funding source
for four of the state’s top universities, including Texas Tech University.
Proposition 5 will establish the Texas University Fund (TUF), a permanent $3.9 billion endowment that will benefit Texas Tech along with
the University of Houston, the University of North Texas and Texas State University
– four universities that do not have access to the Permanent University Fund. The
TUF will not require new taxes or additional costs to Texans.
If Proposition 5 passes, it will allow participating institutions to expand investments
in research, stimulating innovation and growing the Texas economy. For Texas Tech,
these resources will enhance existing areas of strength, including energy, agriculture
and sustainability, and to grow new programs such as One Health.
Previous support for higher education, like that provided through the National Research
University Fund (NRUF), has enabled Texas Tech to increase its research capabilities
and grant awards and elevate its national rankings. Approval of the TUF will have
the same positive results by further enhancing our preeminence and impact.
This is a critical moment for higher education in Texas. Our commitment remains to
help make our state the destination for students and faculty seeking world-class educational
and research opportunities.
Today (Oct. 10) is the final day to register to vote for the Nov. 7 election. If you
have not already done so, please register so you can exercise your civic duty and
have a voice in the future of higher education in Texas.
Sincerely,
Lawrence Schovanec, Ph.D.
President, Texas Tech University
Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D.
Chancellor, Texas Tech University System