Angelo State Reacts to Texas Tech System Chancellor Robert Duncan's Retirement

LUBBOCK, TX — Texas Tech University System Chancellor Robert Duncan announced his retirement on Monday.  This is important to Angelo State University because ASU has been a part of the Texas Tech University System since March 2007. Duncan works for the Texas Tech Board of Regents who oversee all schools in the System, including Angelo State University.

Duncan sent an email to the Texas Tech University System community Monday.  His retirement is effective Aug. 31.

Angelo State University President Dr. Brian May said he wishes Duncan well. “Chancellor Duncan was a tireless advocate for the entire Texas Tech University System and on behalf of Angelo State University we thank him for his service and wish he and his wife Terri much happiness.”

According to the Texas Tech website, Duncan became the fourth Chancellor of the University on July 7, 2014.  Since Duncan assumed office, the Texas Tech University System has raised over $581 million in philanthropic funds, more than any previous chancellor has raised in the same time period, and is on track for a record fundraising year in 2018. Duncan has set forth the goal of a $2 billion TTU System endowment (currently valued at $1.26 billion) which would establish resources for success for decades to come.

Duncan was a state lawmaker before he assumed the role as Chancellor.  He was elected state representative in 1992 representing Texas House District 84.  In 1996 Duncan won a special election as state senator for District 28 which includes San Angelo.  He served as Senator until he was appointed Chancellor.

Duncan received his undergraduate degree from Texas Tech.  He holds a B.S. in Agricultural Economics he earned in 1976.  He also has a law degree from Texas Tech.

The Texas Tech University System includes Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Angelo State University, the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, and the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in El Paso.  

In his email, Duncan wrote, “This university and its people empowered me to believe I was capable of achieving a future beyond my wildest dreams. They started me on a journey that took me to law school, led me to serve our state and community in the Texas Legislature, and ultimately culminated with serving as Chancellor of the greatest university system in the nation.”  Duncan also wrote he was, “grateful for the support I have received from the Board of Regents, the System, our universities, and all those who love Texas Tech University as much as I do.”

In a statement issued Monday, the president of Lubbock-based Texas Tech University, Lawrence Schovanec, said: “I admire and appreciate Chancellor Duncan for his lifetime of service to Lubbock, West Texas and our state. I am personally and professionally indebted to him and will continue to value our close friendship.”

No word yet on when the search for Duncan’s replacement will begin.