A distinguished alum from Texas Tech's Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics has been named the sole finalist to be Texas Tech University System's next chancellor. State Sen. Robert Duncan (R-Lubbock) is expected to start in his new position on July 1.

"To be able to serve the great universities in the Texas Tech University System is a tremendous honor for me and my family," Duncan said in a statement.

Duncan, 60, is a lifelong West Texan. Before calling Lubbock home, he was raised in Vernon. While completing his undergraduate degree in agricultural economics (1976), he served as student body president. Duncan went on to receive his law degree from Tech's School of Law (1981).

He was first elected to the Texas House in 1992 and then ran successfully for the Senate in 1996. He currently chairs the Senate Committee on State Affairs and serves on the Finance, Higher Education, Education and Natural Resources committees.

During his more than two decades in the legislature, Duncan has crafted legislation impacting water rights; health care transparency and affordability; the integrity of public investment funds; and public and higher education.

Honors for Duncan include receiving a 'CASNR Distinguished Alumni Award' (1996). In addition, Texas Monthly magazine frequently has named Duncan among the state's 10 best legislators. It also has listed him as a 'Texas Super Lawyer' for his professional reputation in the private sector as a partner at Crenshaw, Dupree and Milam in Lubbock.

Written by Norman Martin

CONTACT: Michael Galyean, Dean, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or michael.galyean@ttu.edu

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