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State of the University

Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec reflected on accomplishments and outlined goals for the years ahead.

By Texas Tech University

September 24^th, 2025

Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec delivered his annual State of the University address on Wednesday (Sept. 24), highlighting the university’s accomplishments in enrollment, graduation rates and progress toward its Association of American Universities (AAU) aspirations.

This fall, Texas Tech welcomed a record 42,272 students, the first time the university has eclipsed the 42,000-student mark. The incoming class included more than 7,600 first-time-in-college students, an increase of 11.7% from 2024 and the largest entering class in university history.

State of the University

State of the University

Texas Tech also has excelled in supporting students to graduation. The four-year graduation rate has improved to 54% while the six-year rate has increased to 70%.

These outcomes are driven in part by efforts to expand financial access and student support, including the Red Raider Guarantee and a broad range of scholarships and grants. The Red Raider Guarantee has served nearly 1,500 incoming students from families earning $80,000 or less annually, while the university offered $230 million in scholarships and grants to attract and retain top students.

Such initiatives are possible thanks to the ongoing support of the state legislature, whose investment sustains enrollment growth, facility improvements and more. In turn, this support allows Texas Tech to invest directly in its students, faculty and staff.

State of the University

The university also announced a record year in fundraising, bringing in $236 million from more than 37,000 donors in FY25. Since the public launch of ON&ON: The Campaign for Texas Tech University, the university has raised more than $915 million from more than 84,000 donors, alumni and friends, advancing priorities to Transform Lives, Fuel Academic Excellence, Elevate Campus & Community and Build Champions.

Among this year’s philanthropic achievements were the creation of 139 new scholarship/financial aid funds, more than $61 million in scholarships and aid to support students and student-athletes, three new endowed academic positions and $43.5 million committed to community initiatives.

State of the University

State of the University

State of the University

State of the University

These resources, combined with state investment, also are fueling research growth. Texas Tech achieved an all-time high in total research expenditures, exceeding $289 million, a more than 45% increase since 2020. Strategic investments have positioned the university as a leader in critical areas such as national security, health sciences and energy, while maintaining recognized programs in agriculture and engineering.

State of the University

State of the University

State of the University

Looking ahead, Texas Tech’s physical and academic footprint continues to evolve. Reese Technology Center was recently renamed the Texas Tech University Reese National Security Complex (RNSC), enhancing the university’s role in defense-related research and critical technology development. The Texas Tech Alumni Association has transitioned from an independent non-profit organization to a part of the university, deepening alumni engagement.

State of the University

Campus planning is moving forward through the framework designed with DumontJanks, aligning academic priorities with future facilities. Projects include a planned academic building for the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources and the construction of the new Design Village, a collaborative space that brings together disciplines in architecture, art, landscape architecture and engineering, among others.

State of the University

“Texas Tech has never been about standing still,” Schovanec said. “Our history is one of ambition. The work ahead won't always be easy, but it will always be important. Every student we educate, every discovery we make, every community we serve, every life we touch, all of it matters, and all of it contributes to the ongoing story of Texas Tech.”

© 2026 Texas Tech University

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