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

Austin, Texas — The Texas Tech University System Board of Regents has unanimously selected State Senator Brandon Creighton (R–Conroe) as the sole finalist for the position of Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Tech University System.

Background and Qualifications

Senator Creighton has been a prominent figure in shaping Texas education policy. As chair of the Senate Education K–16 Committee and the Higher Education Subcommittee, he has authored significant legislation, including:

• SB 17: Banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices at public universities

• SB 37: Enhancing regents’ authority while reducing faculty influence on campuses

• SB 2972: Enacting new restrictions on campus protests and demonstrations

He was also instrumental in creating the Texas University Fund, a $3.9 billion endowment designed to benefit emerging research universities—including Texas Tech—so they can compete with the larger UT and A&M systems.

Endorsements and Statements

Board of Regents Chairman Cody Campbell emphasized Creighton’s alignment with the university’s needs:
“He’s known and proven to be a respected leader… I believe he will bring that same vision and determination to the system.”

House Speaker Dustin Burrows, a proud Texas Tech alum, expressed his support:
“Senator Creighton’s leadership and expertise on higher education matters will be a tremendous benefit to Texas Tech.”

U.S. Representative Jodey Arrington—also a candidate for the post—voiced congratulations:
“I am at the ready to help Brandon ‘bear our banners far and wide’… Guns up, and Go West Texas!!”

Texas law mandates a 21-day waiting period after naming a finalist before a final decision is made. In the interim, Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell, who announced his retirement in July after serving since 2018, will continue in an advisory capacity to facilitate a smooth leadership transition.

If officially confirmed, Creighton’s appointment marks a notable shift in higher education leadership in Texas, moving toward political appointments with strong legislative backgrounds poised to navigate evolving state oversight and educational priorities.