Sen. Brandon Creighton Named Sole Finalist for Texas Tech University System Chancellor

LUBBOCK, TX — Texas Sen. Brandon Creighton, a longtime legislator and eighth-generation Texan, has been named the sole finalist for chancellor of the Texas Tech University System following a unanimous vote Wednesday by the system’s Board of Regents during a special-called meeting.

Creighton, who currently represents Senate District 4, which includes parts of Montgomery, Harris, Chambers, Jefferson and Galveston counties, brings nearly two decades of legislative experience to the position. A rancher, attorney and real estate developer, he has served in both the Texas House and Senate since 2007.

“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.”

As chair of the Senate Committee on Education (K–16), Creighton has championed higher education initiatives, including the Texas University Fund, and supported investments that benefit students, faculty, and communities across the state.

“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 holds a bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law. His professional ties to West Texas and rural communities include work in higher education, agriculture, energy and economic development.

Per state law, the board must wait 21 days before finalizing Creighton’s appointment. Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., who announced his retirement earlier this year, will remain in office during the transition and serve in an advisory role.

Mitchell joined the TTU System in 2010 as president of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and was named chancellor in 2018.

“In recent years, the Texas Tech University System’s reputation as innovators and leaders among our peers in higher education, health care, research and community engagement has reached even greater heights," Mitchell said. "I am proud of all we have accomplished during my tenure and am confident in passing the baton to Senator Creighton. For nearly two decades, he has served the people of Texas, first as a state representative and most recently as a state senator. He has a tremendous track record of leadership and a demonstrated dedication to higher education as chair of the Senate Committee on Education K-16 and chair of the Higher Education Subcommittee. I look forward to how he will continue to elevate and strengthen the System as its new Chancellor, and through this role, continue serving the people of our great state.”

Angelo State President Ronnie Hawkins Jr. welcomed Creighton's appointment and gave his thoughts.

“On behalf of the students, faculty and staff at Angelo State University, I extend a Ram Fam congratulations to Senator Creighton on his selection as the sole finalist for the chancellor of the Texas Tech University System," Hawkins said. "It has been nothing short of a phenomenal experience with Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., at the helm, and I am confident Senator Creighton will sustain the momentum and trajectory as we continue to further the mission, vision and values of Angelo State and the Texas Tech University System.”

For updates, visit www.texastech.edu or follow @TTUSystem on social media.