State Sen. Brandon Creighton Poised to Become Lone Finalist for Texas Tech Chancellor Position

State Senator Brandon Creighton is on the verge of becoming the next chancellor of the Texas Tech University System. He’s known for pushing significant changes in higher education in Texas, including limiting diversity programs and altering faculty influence.

Cody Campbell, the Texas Tech Board Chair, expressed strong support for Creighton, stating he’s eager to see him lead. “He shares our vision and values,” Campbell said. This sentiment is echoed by Board Vice Chair Dustin Womble, who also backed Creighton’s potential appointment.

Creighton himself expressed gratitude for the opportunity. He has a long history in education, having served as chairman of both the Senate Education Committee and the Budget Subcommittee. His recent reforms, such as banning diversity offices and limiting faculty power, have sparked both enthusiasm and concern.

Faculty members have raised alarms about Creighton’s approach. The Texas Conference of American Association of University Professors highlighted worries about academic freedom and shared governance under his leadership. They believe these principles are vital for maintaining a quality educational environment.

Furthermore, Creighton’s political connections may enhance Texas Tech’s influence in the state legislature. He played a part in creating the Texas University Fund, a $3.9 billion endowment designed to support several Texas universities, helping them compete with larger institutions.

A notable shift is occurring in Texas higher education leadership. Politically connected figures are increasingly occupying key roles, as seen by other recent appointments of former lawmakers to chancellorships.

Creighton graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and earned his law degree from Oklahoma City University. His Senate term runs until January 2027, but if he takes the chancellor role, he would resign, prompting a special election to fill his seat.

Texas Tech serves over 69,000 students across its five campuses, making leadership decisions here critical for shaping the educational landscape in Texas. Creighton’s expected appointment is part of a broader trend in which state politics increasingly intertwine with university governance.

For a deeper understanding, check out reports on higher education developments from The Texas Tribune and the Texas Conference of American Association of University Professors.

Source link

texas news, texas politics, texas policy, texas government, higher education, politics, state government