Texas Tech Names Sen. Brandon Creighton as Next Chancellor
State Sen. Brandon Creighton has been unanimously confirmed as the next chancellor of the Texas Tech University System. He will succeed Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell, who retires on Nov. 19. Creighton, a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and Oklahoma City University School of Law, will become the sixth chancellor since the system's creation in 1996, overseeing five institutions with a total of 69,502 students.
Creighton will serve as chancellor-elect, working alongside Mitchell until his retirement. The transition comes amidst controversy surrounding Mitchell's directive to limit classroom discussions on transgender and nonbinary identities, which sparked backlash from faculty and advocates. Creighton's appointment could strengthen Texas Tech's political influence at the Capitol, given his role in creating the Texas University Fund, which benefits several universities.
Creighton's record on academic freedom and shared governance has raised concerns among the Texas Conference of American Association of University Professors. He has authored several higher education reforms, including bans on diversity offices, limits on faculty influence, and regulations on campus protests. Despite these concerns, Creighton was confirmed as the next chancellor on Sept. 30.
Creighton will take office on Nov. 20, following Mitchell's retirement. His appointment comes as the Texas Tech University System continues to grapple with issues surrounding academic freedom and political influence. Meanwhile, the Texas Tribune Festival, taking place Nov. 13-15, has announced additional speakers, including State Rep. Caroline Fairly and former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. Creighton's resignation from his Senate seat on Oct. 2 has triggered a special election process, with Gov. Greg Abbott able to fill the vacancy.
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