Texas Tech University System Recognized at the Texas Capitol During System Day
March 25, 2025 | Contact: Kristina Butler
Hundreds of Red Raiders, Rams and Mustangs filled the Texas Capitol on Wednesday (March 12) for Texas Tech University System (TTU System) Day.
The biennial event hosted by the Texas Tech Alumni Association invited supporters and alums of the TTU System’s five component institutions: Texas Tech University (TTU), Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), Angelo State University (ASU), Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso (Texas Tech Health El Paso) and Midwestern State University (MSU Texas), to gather in Austin during the 89th Texas legislative session to celebrate the system’s impact on higher education and its deep-rooted connections in the state.
“Events like these are a chance for all of our component universities to come together and showcase the collective strength of the Texas Tech University System,” said TTU System Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D. “Our alums, students, faculty and staff are paving the way to a bright future through innovative advances in education, health care, research and community outreach and engagement. We are so grateful to the legislature for their recognition of our work, and we thank them for their leadership and continued support of our system.”
Elected officials in both the House and Senate recognized TTU System leaders for the achievements of the system and its component universities by passing a resolution declaring March 12, 2025, as TTU System Day at the Capitol. Volunteers and alums from each university spent the afternoon visiting legislators and their staff, discussing the TTU System’s legislative priorities and thanking them for their commitment to supporting higher education in Texas.
“The Texas Tech University System is built on a legacy of excellence, and we celebrate the collaboration between our universities and the leaders of Texas who help make our success possible,” said TTU System Board of Regents Vice Chairwoman Ginger Kerrick Davis. “Their investment in higher education fuels innovation and creates opportunities at each of our campuses and across our great state.”
Mitchell and Kerrick Davis were joined by leaders across the system, including additional Board of Regents members, TTU President Lawrence Schovanec, Ph.D., TTUHSC President Lori Rice-Spearman, Ph.D., ASU President Ronnie D. Hawkins Jr., Texas Tech Health El Paso President Rick Lange, M.D., M.B.A., and MSU Texas President Stacy Haynie, Ph.D.
This year’s TTU System Day marked a historic milestone: all five component universities and the TTU System Administration were represented at the Capitol. This includes MSU Texas, which participated for the first time since officially joining the system in 2021.
“As one of the few university systems in the nation offering this particular array of professional programs — from law and dental and veterinary medicine to nursing and pharmacy — our institutions are uniquely positioned to address critical workforce needs in our state and improve the quality of life for all Texans,” added Mitchell.
Together, the TTU System includes three general academic and two health-related institutions, which have more than 21,000 employees, educate more than 64,000 students and have a combined statewide economic impact of $19.2 billion.
MSU TEXAS PRESIDENT STACY HAYNIE, PH.D.:
“As the newest member of the Texas Tech University System, it is a pleasure to participate alongside our colleagues during this year’s TTU System Day event at the Capitol. This event allows us to share the best of MSU Texas and express our gratitude to legislators for their support.”
TTU PRESIDENT LAWRENCE SCHOVANEC, PH.D.:
“Texas Tech University System Day is a special opportunity to express our gratitude to the members of the legislature for their unwavering support of higher education. Their commitment plays an important role in ensuring that Texas Tech University continues to provide a world-class education for students now and in the future.”
TTUHSC PRESIDENT LORI RICE-SPEARMAN, PH.D.:
“Texas Tech University System Day in Austin provides a time to celebrate the strength of this system. At TTUHSC, we’re focused on expanding access to care across our 121-county service region through developing the health care workforce, expanding clinical services and using research to advance knowledge and treatment options for better health outcomes. We appreciate the support of our legislators as we work toward innovative solutions to improve care — especially in rural areas — and create healthier communities for everyone.”
ASU PRESIDENT RONNIE D. HAWKINS JR.:
“Angelo State University certainly had a productive and enjoyable day supporting the TTU System in Austin. Seeing the entire system honored in both the Texas House and Senate chambers gave us all a tremendous sense of pride in the impact we are having on current and future generations of Texans. The whole experience reaffirmed why Angelo State is so proud to be part of the dynamic Texas Tech University System.”
TEXAS TECH HEALTH EL PASO PRESIDENT RICK LANGE, M.D., M.B.A.:
“At Texas Tech Health El Paso, we’re committed to training the next generation of health care heroes to serve the unique needs of our West Texas region and beyond. TTU System Day provides a valuable opportunity to connect with state leaders, highlight our mission, and advocate for the continued support of medical education and research that directly impacts the well-being of Texans. We’re grateful for the support of our legislature.”
About the Texas Tech University System
Established in 1996, the Texas Tech University System is one of the top public university
systems in the nation, 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.
Headquartered in Lubbock, Texas, the TTU System is a more than $3 billion enterprise focused on advancing higher education, health care, research and outreach with approximately 21,000 employees and 64,000 students, more than 400,000 alums, a statewide economic impact of $19.2 billion and an endowment valued at $3 billion. In its short history, the TTU System has grown tremendously and is nationally acclaimed, operating at 21 academic locations in 17 cities (15 in Texas, 2 international).
In addition, the TTU 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.