×ÔοÊÓƵ

Dear ×ÔοÊÓƵ System Supporters and Colleagues,

Tomorrow will mark the end of my first year since being appointed as Chancellor of the ×ÔοÊÓƵ, while also serving as President of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. When accepting the post, it was in the best interest of ×ÔοÊÓƵHSC and our universities for me to serve in this dual appointment because we were quickly approaching a key legislative session with critical funding on the table.

These last 12 months have been nothing short of incredible for our four universities. Among our many successes was completing a historic legislative session, which has transformed our system by adding two new professional degree programs and schools for dental and veterinary medicine.

As I reflect on this banner year, and the significant momentum and success we are experiencing at both the ×ÔοÊÓƵ System and ×ÔοÊÓƵHSC, it was time to make a decision. Both institutions deserve to have chief executive officers solely dedicated to advancing their priorities and to achieving their highest potentials.

That’s why at the end of this month I will be closing my tenure as President of ×ÔοÊÓƵHSC to focus my efforts fully on leading the ×ÔοÊÓƵ System as Chancellor.

As ×ÔοÊÓƵHSC’s President for almost 10 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work and serve alongside some of the finest folks – our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and donors – who have made this one of the best universities in the nation.

Together, we have:

• Developed new academic programs creating unique opportunities to train future health care providers for West Texas and beyond;
• Successfully launched the first fundraising campaign for ×ÔοÊÓƵHSC, and we’re close to reaching our $100 million goal;
• Made significant infrastructure improvements to all of our campuses;
• Increased our emphasis on research and its role in how we deliver health care; and
• Changed the culture of our campus community by identifying values that now drive how we approach our roles as ×ÔοÊÓƵHSC students, faculty and staff.

To ensure stability during this transition, I am naming Dr. Lori Rice-Spearman as ×ÔοÊÓƵHSC’s Interim President, effective Nov. 1, while a search for the next president is conducted. I have complete confidence in Lori’s ability to lead the university as she serves concurrently in her role as Provost and Chief Academic Officer. Lori has a servant’s heart for ×ÔοÊÓƵHSC as this is not only her workplace but also her alma mater.

Serving as President of ×ÔοÊÓƵHSC has been one of the most rewarding experiences. ×ÔοÊÓƵHSC will always be a valued part of the ×ÔοÊÓƵ System and will continue to have my full support.

I want to thank everyone for their support in making this last year possible. I look forward to the many great things ahead for ×ÔοÊÓƵHSC and for the ×ÔοÊÓƵ System as Chancellor.

Warmest regards,

Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D.
Chancellor, ×ÔοÊÓƵ
President, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center