LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Dr. Tedd L. Mitchell, Chancellor for the Texas Tech University System, has announced his plans to retire from the position within the year.
Mitchell was named the fifth chancellor of the TTU system in 2018. Since 2010, Mitchell previously served as the President of the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center. He left the position to become the system’s full-time chancellor in 2019.
“Between my roles as President and Chancellor, I have served far longer in system leadership than any of my predecessors, and while carrying this baton has been a true privilege and joy, I feel it is now my time to prepare to pass the baton to someone new,” Mitchell said in a letter addressed to his colleagues, friends and family.
A retirement date has not yet been set.
Read Chancellor Mitchell’s full letter below:
Dear TTU System colleagues, friends and family,
As many of you know, I often share stories and find inspiration in quotes from those before us. Recently, I’ve focused on one from Ralph Waldo Emerson, a 19th-century American literature and thought leader.
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
For more than 15 years, I’ve had the greatest honor of serving this incredible enterprise, first as President of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and for the past several years as Chancellor of the Texas Tech University System.
And if there’s one thing I’ve come to realize during my tenure, it’s the quality of our people within – the students, faculty, team members, alumni and administrators – who make our five institutions special and different from the rest.
Reflecting on my time at the Texas Tech University System, particularly after concluding another historic legislative session for our system, I am reminded of how far we’ve come – what lies behind – and, what’s in store.
Several months ago, I began thinking more about what lies before, and recently I shared with the Board of Regents, our university presidents and my team and family, that after much thought, I plan to retire from the position of Chancellor within the year.
As I’ve said before, those of us who serve as leaders are only carrying a baton for the moment. Between my roles as President and Chancellor, I have served far longer in system leadership than any of my predecessors, and while carrying this baton has been a true privilege and joy, I feel it is now my time to prepare to pass the baton to someone new.
Family has always been a guiding value for me, both personally and professionally. As I look toward this next chapter, I feel called to spend more time with my family, who have supported me throughout this journey. Grandkids – having now four with another one on the way – will have that effect on you.
Realizing a search for a new Chancellor may take time, I plan to remain in this role while the Board of Regents works to identify and name a successor and to support a thoughtful transition – one that allows for continued momentum while also opening the door for new leadership to guide the Texas Tech University System into its next era.
In August, we will have our next regularly scheduled Board of Regents meeting, where I plan to further discuss my decision to retire and where more details for the way ahead will be shared.
Throughout my tenure, I’ve been privileged to lead through periods of tremendous growth and transformation, working alongside extraordinary leaders, faculty, staff and students across our five universities. Their commitment to higher education, research, health care and service continues to inspire me every day. My time as Chancellor has been defined by a profound sense of purpose, and I am deeply proud of what we have achieved together and what more we will achieve in closing out this remarkable period in my career.
I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Board of Regents for their steadfast leadership and unwavering support. Their guidance and commitment to the mission of the Texas Tech University System have made our progress possible and meaningful.
Above all, I remain forever committed to this system, its universities and mission, and I thank you all for your continued partnership, support and shared belief in the power and potential of the Texas Tech University System.
Warmest regards,
Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D.Chancellor
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