Texas Tech University System Regents Appoint Senator Brandon Creighton as Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer
Sept. 30, 2025 | Contact: Kristina Butler
During a special-called meeting of the Texas Tech University System (TTU System) Board of Regents today (Sept. 30), Texas Senator Brandon Creighton was unanimously appointed as the sixth chancellor and chief executive officer of the TTU System, effective Nov. 19.
This announcement follows the state-mandated 21-day waiting period after Creighton was named the sole finalist for the position by the TTU System Board of Regents on Sept. 4.
“The Texas Tech University System will set the national standard for higher education, and it will be an honor to join the system family and to lead the charge as the next Chancellor,” said Creighton. “With the confidence of the Board of Regents and the strength of our faculty, staff, and students, we will expand opportunities, pioneer new innovations, and ensure the TTU System continues to exemplify the best of what drives Texas and the nation forward.”
Creighton will become chancellor-elect immediately following his resignation from the Texas Senate. During the interim as chancellor-elect, he will work closely with Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., to ensure a thoughtful and effective leadership transition. On Nov. 19, Mitchell will transition into an advisory role as chancellor emeritus and president emeritus of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, continuing to support the TTU System.
“The Texas Tech University System is entering an exciting new chapter, and Senator Creighton is the right leader to guide us forward,” said Cody Campbell, chairman of the TTU System Board of Regents. “His proven commitment to higher education, rural communities and economic development reflects the very mission of our system. With his leadership, I am confident we will continue to expand opportunities for our students, strengthen our impact across Texas and elevate the national profile of the system.”
An eighth-generation Texan from Conroe, Creighton began his legislative career in 2007, serving District 16 in the Texas House of Representatives. In 2014, Creighton was sworn into the Texas Senate, representing District 4, which includes parts of Montgomery, Harris, Chambers, Jefferson, and Galveston counties. As chair of the Senate Committee on Education K-16, Creighton has championed significant reforms, promoted research investments like the Texas University Fund, and shaped policies that directly support students, faculty and communities across Texas. His vision for opportunity, innovation and economic growth strongly aligns with the TTU System’s mission.
Creighton earned his bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Texas at Austin and his Juris Doctor degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law. An attorney, real-estate developer and rancher in Texas and New Mexico, Creighton has long-standing ties to West Texas, rural communities and the many academic locations of the TTU System.
He has partnered with West Texas leaders on higher education, energy, agriculture and economic development priorities throughout his nearly 20 years in the Texas Legislature. His record reflects a strong understanding of the culture, history and challenges of rural Texas, and he has consistently advanced policies that support access to higher education, rural health care and workforce development in the region.
“Senator Creighton brings a steady hand and a clear vision to this role at a pivotal time for the Texas Tech University System,” said Dustin R. Womble, vice chairman of the TTU System Board of Regents. “His leadership and experience will help us build on the strong foundation already in place and ensure our universities continue to thrive for generations to come. We look forward to working alongside him as he leads the system into its next era of growth and impact.”
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 20 academic locations in 16 cities (15 in Texas, one 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.