Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University
Name	Texas Tech University
Established	1923
Type	Public research university
Endowment	$1.7 billion
President	Lawrence Schovanec
City	Lubbock
State	Texas
Country	United States
Students	40,666 (Fall 2022)
Faculty	2,554
Campus	Urban, 1,839 acres
Colors	Scarlet and Black
Nickname	Red Raiders
Affiliations	Texas Tech University System, Big 12 Conference
Website	ttu.edu

Texas Tech University. It is a public research university in Lubbock, Texas, and the flagship institution of the Texas Tech University System. Founded in 1923 as Texas Technological College, the university has grown into a comprehensive institution with significant research activity classified as "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The university is known for its distinctive Spanish Renaissance-style architecture, its spirited athletic programs competing in the Big 12 Conference, and its strong traditions.

History

The institution was established by legislative action in 1923, largely through the efforts of Ammon Giles Carter and other proponents from West Texas. The cornerstone of the first building, now the Administration Building, was laid in 1924. Initially named Texas Technological College, it opened in 1925 with an inaugural class of 914 students and a faculty of 40, offering degrees in agriculture, engineering, and home economics. In 1969, the institution was renamed Texas Tech University to reflect its expanded academic scope, which by then included a School of Law and a Health Sciences Center. Key historical milestones include the establishment of the Graduate School in 1927 and achieving designation as a state-funded research university in 1987.

Academics

The university is organized into colleges including the College of Arts & Sciences, the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering, the College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, and the Jerry S. Rawls College of Business Administration. It offers over 150 undergraduate, 100 master's, and 50 doctoral degree programs. Notable research facilities include the National Wind Institute, the Center for Biotechnology and Genomics, and the Institute for Environmental and Human Health. The Honors College provides an enhanced curriculum for high-achieving students. Professional schools include the School of Law, located in Downtown Lubbock, and the School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo.

Campus

The main campus in Lubbock spans 1,839 acres and is noted for its consistent use of Spanish Renaissance design, featuring red-tiled roofs and buff-colored brick. Prominent landmarks include the Administration Building with its 191-foot tower, the Museum of Texas Tech University complex, and the Student Union Building. The public art collection features works by renowned sculptors like Dale Chihuly. The campus also houses the Ranching Heritage Center, a 19-acre outdoor historical museum, and the Jones AT&T Stadium, home to the football team.

Athletics

The university's athletic teams, known as the Red Raiders, compete in the NCAA Division I Big 12 Conference. The football team plays at Jones AT&T Stadium, while the men's basketball team, which reached the NCAA Championship game in 2019, plays at the United Supermarkets Arena. The baseball team competes at Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park. The university's athletic identity is closely tied to its mascot, The Masked Rider, and its fight song, "Fight, Raiders, Fight". Notable former coaches include Bobby Knight and Mike Leach.

Student life

Student life is centered around over 500 student organizations, including a large Greek system with numerous fraternities and sororities. Major annual events include the Carol of Lights ceremony, the Homecoming parade, and RaiderGate pre-game festivities. The Student Government Association represents the student body. Media outlets include the student newspaper, The Daily Toreador, and the radio station, KTXT. A significant tradition involves students avoiding walking on the University Seal embedded in the sidewalk of the Administration Building plaza to avoid a supposed curse on their graduation.

Notable alumni and faculty

Distinguished alumni include former U.S. Secretary of State and White House Chief of Staff James A. Baker III, NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France, actress and singer Delta Burke, and Major League Baseball pitcher and Cy Young Award winner Mike Marshall. Notable former faculty include Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Douglas Southall Freeman, who taught in the 1950s, and chemist and National Medal of Science recipient Allen J. Bard. The university's alumni network is represented by the Texas Tech Alumni Association.

Category:Texas Tech University Category:Universities and colleges in Texas Category:Public universities and colleges in the United States Category:Educational institutions established in 1923