Record Enrollment, Bold Vision Highlight State of Texas Tech University Address

LUBBOCK, TX — Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec delivered a State of the Univeristy address on Wednseday as Texas Tech enters its second century of excellence.

Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec highlighted the university’s accomplishments over the past year and outlined a bold vision for the future during his annual State of the University address on Wednesday (September 25).

Just a few weeks ago, Texas Tech announced a record enrollment, including approximately 12,500 new students. Notably, this year’s freshman class includes 32% first-generation college students.

In addition to welcoming a record number of students, Texas Tech is also sending more graduates into the workforce, ready to make a difference. Over the past five years, the university’s four-year graduation rate has increased by 11%, and its six-year graduation rate has risen by 5%. Last year, Texas Tech awarded over 10,000 degrees and certificates to more than 9,800 students—an increase of more than 40% in the past decade.

“The makeup of our student body tells us we’re responding to changing demographics by strategically reaching a broader range of students, including non-traditional learners and those who left college before completing a degree,” Schovanec said. “We continue to place students first and provide an educational experience that ensures they have the skills to succeed in their chosen careers.”

Following a year of strategic enrollment planning, Schovanec discussed the university’s transition to its strategic enrollment management initiative. Texas Tech has developed six key strategies to shape the future of its enrollment, focusing on:

• Enhancing the university’s digital marketing and recruitment efforts
• Driving program innovation, including new degree programs offering alternative pathways for students
• Optimizing financial aid and scholarship distribution
• Increasing retention rates through targeted interventions
• Establishing a dedicated online school with flexible learning options
• Expanding financial literacy efforts for all students

“These initiatives create a comprehensive approach to ensure that Texas Tech remains an institution of choice for today’s students,” Schovanec said. “Once they arrive, our practices and programs will support their success as students and beyond.”

Schovanec also announced that Texas Tech will soon launch a comprehensive campaign to build on recent fundraising successes, which will support scholarships, research initiatives, and academic programs.

This year, Texas Tech awarded over $200 million in scholarships and grants, benefiting 76% of its students. However, Schovanec emphasized that the university must remain competitive in offering scholarships to ensure the Red Raider experience is accessible to a growing and diverse student body while also expanding academic opportunities and improving student outcomes.

Schovanec expects the university’s expanding research enterprise, supported by record-breaking grants and expenditures, to help Texas Tech achieve status as a preeminent national research university. The goal is to meet the benchmarks of institutions in the Association of American Universities (AAU).

“AAU criteria serve as a valuable metric for assessing our progress and setting higher aspirations,” Schovanec said. “But scholarly excellence and societal impact are the most important measures of our success.”