Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University was created by legislative action in 1923 and has the distinction of being the largest comprehensive higher education institution in the western two-thirds of the state of Texas. The university is the major institution of higher education in a region larger than 46 of the nation’s 50 states and is the only campus in Texas that is home to a major university, law school and medical school. Originally named Texas Technological College, the college opened in 1925 with six buildings and an enrollment of 914. Graduate instruction did not begin until 1927 within the school of Liberal Arts. A “Division of Graduate Studies” was established in 1935 and eventually became known as the Graduate School in 1954. By action of the Texas State Legislature, Texas Technological College formally became Texas Tech University on September 1, 1969. A new era of excellence is dawning at Texas Tech University as it stands on the cusp of being one of the nation's premier research institutions. Research and enrollment numbers are at record levels. Texas Tech's total research expenditures topped $140 million in 2012. Fall enrollment for 2013 eclipsed that of the previous fall with 33,111 students. Numbers like that cement Texas Tech's commitment to attracting and retaining quality students. The university strives to foster an environment that celebrates student accomplishment above all else. Texas Tech is large enough to provide the best in facilities and academics, but small enough to focus on each student individually. Quality students need a top-notch faculty. Texas Tech is home to a diverse, highly revered pool of educators who excel in teaching, research and service. In 2013, ten faculty members were awarded grants from the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, the most of any research university in the nation. Through the Fulbright program, educators are bestowed the opportunity to work side-by-side with researchers around the world promoting educational collaboration. The momentum for excellence at Texas Tech has never been greater.