Texas Tech University
Kent Hance

Kent Hance

Chancellor Emeritus

Management

806.834.4867

Research Expertise

  • Administrative Law & Public Policy
  • Government Relations
  • Corporate Counsel and Advice

Education

  • JD, University of Texas
  • BBA, Texas Tech University

About

In December 2006, Hance became the third chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, which was comprised of Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the time. Under his leadership, the system set records in enrollment, research and degrees awarded, and doubled in size, growing from two universities to four with the addition of Angelo State University in 2007 and the creation of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso in 2013. Hance, who retired from the position in 2014 as the system's longest serving chancellor, also raised more than $1.069 billion in the most successful capital campaign in the history of the Texas Tech University System.

Hance is a founding partner with Hance Scarborough, an Austin-based law firm. His primary focus is on state and federal administrative law, regulatory law, and legislative law. In addition, he advises clients on oil, gas, and other energy-related matters. He began his legal career in Lubbock, Texas, and taught at Texas Tech University for five years after graduating from law school.

Hance began a career in politics in 1974 when he won a seat in the Texas State Senate. While in the Senate, he was one of only four members who served jointly on the chamber's two most powerful committees: Finance and State Affairs. Four years later, he was elected to the 19th Congressional District. In 1981, Hance authored and won passage of President Ronald Reagan's tax bill, which remains the largest tax cut in the nation's history. While a member of Congress, Hance served on the Ways and Means Committee, the Agriculture Committee, and the Science and Technology Committee. After three terms in Congress, Hance was appointed to the Texas Railroad Commission and was later elected as Chairman.

Hance is a native of Dimmitt, Texas. He and his wife, Susie Hance, also an attorney, have five children and seven grandchildren.