During a special-called meeting of the Texas Tech University System (TTU System) Board of Regents on Thursday, Texas Senator Brandon Creighton was unanimously selected as the sole finalist for the chancellor and chief executive officer position.
A rancher, attorney and lifelong Texan, Creighton has served in the Texas Legislature as a state representative and senator for nearly two decades.
“The Texas Tech University System has a proud history and limitless potential,” said Creighton. “From research and innovation to nationally prominent academic programs, it represents the very best of Texas. I am honored to be named sole finalist for chancellor and look forward to building on this momentum and leading the TTU System into its next era of success.”
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.
“The Texas Tech University System is at a pivotal moment,” said Cody Campbell, chairman of the TTU System Board of Regents. “With Senator Creighton as our next chancellor, I am confident we will continue to accelerate our progress, strengthen our communities, and expand our impact across the state and beyond.”
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.
“The Texas Tech University System Board of Regents conducted a comprehensive search with numerous outstanding candidates,” said Dustin R. Womble, vice chairman of the TTU System Board of Regents. “Senator Brandon Creighton stood out as the right person to guide the Texas Tech University System into its next era of success. We are confident he will provide strong, steady leadership during this transition and build on the System’s momentum for years to come.”
State law requires that 21 days must pass before final action can be taken on employment. Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., will continue to serve during this period and remain in an advisory role to ensure a thoughtful and effective transition.
Mitchell announced his plans to retire on July 11, 2025, after 15 years with the TTU System. He began his tenure as president of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 2010. Mitchell was named chancellor of the TTU System on Oct. 25, 2018, and held a dual appointment as chancellor and president from 2018 to 2019, until deciding to close his presidency after nearly a decade at the helm of TTUHSC.
— From Tom Nurre Jr, ASU Office of Communications and Marketing.
