Department Mission, Vision, and Strategic Priorities

Department Mission & Vision

Texas Tech University's Department of English is committed to uphold the values of open, respectful discourse and exchange of ideas from the widest variety of intellectual, religious, class, cultural, and political perspectives. Our graduate and undergraduate students enrich their lives and academic experiences by studying creative writing, linguistics, literature, and technical communication. Come explore what an English major or minor can do for you!

The Department of English develops the reading and writing skills of students, increases their understanding of contemporary discourse and literary heritage, and strengthens their creative and analytical abilities. Using a variety of theories and methodologies, faculty members contribute to research and creative activity in the humanities to advance knowledge and serve the public good.

Through its commitment to excellence, the Department of English will become a national leader in scholarly research, classroom pedagogy, and service to the profession and the community. We will prepare students to think critically and creatively about literature, language, culture, and technology. We will embrace the interpretation and production of texts as well as the opportunities and challenges brought to the humanities by innovative study and teaching at the intersections of literature, linguistics, creative writing, composition and rhetoric, and technical communication.

Strategic Priorities, 2024–2027

Priority 1. Enhance and promote the sustainability and long-term health of the department.

Priority 2. Grow undergraduate enrollment and engagement with undergraduate students through innovative course offerings and educational experiences, including enhancing and innovating our degree programs.

Priority 3. Improve the health, size, diversity, and success of our graduate programs.

Priority 4. Enhance students’ and teachers’ experiences in our classes and programs by supporting and promoting pedagogical innovations, improving infrastructural support, and making intentional plans about modality and extracurricular activities.

Priority 5. Promote and foster research and creative activity, in terms of both quality and productivity, of faculty and graduate students and increase the national and international research and creative profile of the department and our programs.

Priority 6. Engage with and foster relationships with alumni and other key constituencies in our department and programs.

Priority 7. Transform lives and communities through community engagement and outreach in ways that are mutually beneficial and reciprocal.