Texas Tech University has officially launched a major fundraising and vision-setting campaign, titled “ON & ON, The Campaign for Texas Tech University,” during the recent homecoming week, with aspirations for the institution to thrive in its next century. Building on the momentum from the university’s Centennial Celebrations, the campaign aims to raise a significant $1.2 billion over the next four years, and notably, has already secured more than half of that total, amounting to $700 million from a diverse pool of 75,000 donors during its silent phase. University officials, including President Lawrence Schovanec and Vice President for Advancement Byron Kennedy, emphasize that this initiative encourages contributions from all members of the Texas Tech community, highlighting that even modest donations can have a meaningful impact.
The campaign’s framework is grounded in four key pillars identified after extensive consultation with university leadership, faculty, staff, and students. According to Kennedy, these pillars are designed to foster sustained growth and development, proposing an emphasis on transforming students’ lives, enhancing faculty quality, improving campus infrastructure, and championing excellence in athletics. The foremost priority, ‘Transform Lives,’ underscores the importance of scholarships. Texas Tech currently manages an endowment of around $1.1 billion, with approximately $375 million allocated for scholarships, a figure that the university aims to increase significantly in the coming years to better support its student body. President Schovanec notes that Texas Tech’s history as a student-centric institution positions it uniquely within the competitive landscape of schools in the Big 12 and SEC conferences.
The recent establishment of the Texas University Fund, a nearly $4 billion research fund aimed at supporting emerging research universities, will help provide additional resources to attract high-quality faculty and enhance research capabilities. However, Schovanec clarifies that Texas Tech will not solely depend on this funding stream; private donations play a crucial role in supporting specialized programs, such as the Excellence in Banking initiative, which received about $12 million in fundraising. This dual approach aims to bolster the university’s academic framework while ensuring an enduring commitment to scholarship support, a critical element of Texas Tech’s mission.
Physical improvements to the campus also feature prominently within the fundraising campaign, showcased through the Elevate Campus and Community initiative, which has already funded various projects such as the Huckabee College of Architecture and the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. President Schovanec has articulated a vision for a more pedestrian-friendly campus, with proposals to replicate successful buildings like the Academic Sciences Building, expand Davis College facilities, and create new recreational spaces. These upgrades are aimed at accommodating the needs of a growing student population and enhancing the overall campus experience.
Additionally, the campaign includes a commitment to “Build Champions,” which seeks to address the evolving landscape of college athletics and its associated challenges. Schovanec emphasizes that this aspect of the campaign focuses on supporting student-athletes rather than merely enhancing facilities, ensuring that they receive appropriate resources during this transformational period in college sports. By creating an environment conducive to both academic excellence and athletic success, Texas Tech aims to nurture well-rounded individuals who can excel in their respective fields.
To facilitate contributions towards these initiatives, Texas Tech has established a user-friendly platform for potential donors to explore various programs and grants. With the message that “every gift matters,” the campaign aims to engage the broader community, encouraging alumni, students, and friends to participate in the university’s growth journey. By tapping into the unique geographical and cultural significance of West Texas, the ON & ON campaign seeks to inspire a long-lasting impact that aligns with the university’s mission and values as it looks toward the future.
