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September 29, 2006
State of the University Address
Texas Tech’s president looks ahead to the university’s future.
President Whitmore presented accomplishments over the past year and a response to the Texas Tech System Board of Regents' vision and mission statements developed over the last few month during his annual state of the university address. Written by Sally Logue Post
LUBBOCK – Texas Tech enters the 2006-07 year with momentum. During his annual State of the University address Sept. 14, President Jon Whitmore presented an update of accomplishments over the past year and a response to the Texas Tech System Board of Regents' vision and mission statements developed over the last few months.
Whitmore began by highlighting accomplishments that occurred in 2005-06, including the completion of the outside review of the Graduate School, the opening of several new facilities and the initiation of the Arts and Humanities Research Grant program.
The Board of Regents recently completed a Vision for the Future which addresses growth, research and academics. President Whitmore discussed the universities response to the regents’ vision.
He began his discussion of the growth section with comments that population in West Texas is declining and that hampers Texas Tech’s recruiting efforts. He noted that for Texas Tech to grow a $100 million scholarship endowment is critical.
Dr. Whitmore laid out a plan to grow Texas Tech’s research mission. His goal is for Texas Tech to generate $100 million in annual research expenditures. Current the university generates $57 million.
The president talked about building a stronger academic program (video 4 here) and the university’s exceptional community college partnerships.
Dr. Whitmore touched on related topics of diversity, fund raising and marketing. He noted that scholarships will be a top priority for the next overall university capital campaign.
The president presented ways the university has become more efficient and effective. He noted 150 specific efficiencies have been completed that have resulted in cost savings or organizational improvement. He also says more than 100 additional efficiencies are in the planning stages.
The president concluded his address with a look at the upcoming legislative session. In addition to traditional funding requests, the university will ask for an additional $30 million to enhance graduate education, research expansion and technology transfer.
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Video produced by George Esquivel
Web layout and illustration by Lisa Low