Texas Tech University System Receives Historic Gift of 3 Rivers Ranch

CROWELL, TX — The Texas Tech University System (TTU System) has officially acquired 3 Rivers Ranch (3RR). The ranch is a 6,000-acre property in Foard County, through a generous donation from Dr. Fred Koch and the 3 Rivers Foundation for the Arts and Sciences (3RF). Nearly 150 members of the local community and TTU System family gathered on Thursday, Oct. 3, to celebrate the beginning of a new era of opportunity for the ranch, which will remain open for public use.

During a Community Luncheon marking the partnership, leaders from the TTU System expressed their gratitude to Koch and 3RF for their contribution and commitment to the region. TTU System Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell emphasized the importance of serving rural Texas and ensuring the ranch continues to be a community asset. “A piece of property like this is indeed a wonderful community asset for everybody, and we fully intend to ensure that, moving forward, we continue this tradition and do more for the communities we serve in this area,” Mitchell said.

The 3RR will host various educational and research programs across disciplines, including agriculture, STEM, astronomy, and health sciences. The ranch boasts a diverse ecosystem and offers extensive opportunities for academic and community engagement. Notably, public star parties will continue at the ranch, offering telescope viewings and discussions led by Texas Tech University (TTU) and Angelo State University (ASU) astronomers.

About 3 Rivers Ranch Located 10 miles west of Crowell, Texas, the 3 Rivers Ranch is situated in the "Big Empty," an expansive area rich in biodiversity. Facilities include state-of-the-art telescopes, observatories, living classrooms, laboratories, and more, providing hands-on research and learning opportunities for students and faculty. This donation marks the largest real estate gift in the TTU System's history.

About the Texas Tech University System Established in 1996, the TTU System includes five universities and serves over 63,000 students. It is a $3 billion enterprise with a statewide economic impact of $16.4 billion. The system is one of only nine in the nation to offer programs spanning undergraduate, medical, law, nursing, pharmacy, dental, and veterinary education.