40 Facts About Texas Tech

Texas Tech University: A Rich History

Texas Tech University, often called Texas Tech or TTU, has a storied past that dates back to the early 20th century. Its journey from a small college to a major university is filled with fascinating milestones.

1. Location and History: Texas Tech University is located in Lubbock, Texas, in the South Plains region. It was founded on February 10, 1923, when Senate Bill Number 103 passed, mandating the establishment of a university in West Texas. Lubbock was chosen as its home on August 8, 1923.

2. Name Change: Initially known as Texas Technological College, the institution changed its name to Texas Tech University in 1969 to reflect its growth and expansion into a comprehensive university.

3. First Buildings and Enrollment: The first semester began in the Fall of 1925 with an initial enrollment of 914 students. The Administration Building was the first structure on campus and still serves administrative purposes today.

4. Silver Anniversary Celebration: In 1929, Texas Tech celebrated its silver anniversary with a grand homecoming event, including a parade, dance, and various festivities, marking a significant milestone in its history.

Academic Excellence and Research

Texas Tech is known for its strong academic programs and research initiatives, making it a hub of innovation and learning.

5. Academic Programs: Texas Tech offers more than 150 undergraduate degrees, 100 graduate degrees, and 50 professional degrees. The Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering and the Rawls College of Business are particularly well-regarded.

6. Notable Academic Achievements: From 1927 to 2011, the university awarded 173,551 bachelor's, 34,541 master's, 5,906 doctoral, and 7,092 law degrees, reflecting its commitment to education.

7. Research and Innovation: Classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Highest Research Activity" by the Carnegie Foundation, Texas Tech is recognized for its strong research capabilities.

8. School of Veterinary Medicine: In Amarillo, Texas, the School of Veterinary Medicine opened in Fall 2021, with an estimated construction budget of $90 million, expanding the university's academic offerings.

Unique Traditions and Symbols

Texas Tech boasts unique traditions and symbols that foster a strong sense of community and pride among students and alumni.

9. The Masked Rider: One of the most recognizable traditions, the Masked Rider, leads the football team onto the field before every home game, thrilling the crowd.

10. The Double T Logo: The Double T logo symbolizes Texas Tech’s commitment to excellence and pride, seen everywhere on campus.

11. The “Goin’ Band from Raiderland”: Originally known as the Matador Band, it performed at the program’s first game in October 1925 and became the first collegiate band to travel to an away game the following year.

12. Mascots: Texas Tech has two mascots: The Masked Rider, the first official mounted mascot in the country, and Raider Red, introduced in 1971 when live animal mascots were banned at away games.

Athletic Achievements

Texas Tech's athletic programs have a rich history of success, particularly in football, basketball, and baseball.

13. Athletic Programs: Home to the Red Raiders, Texas Tech competes in NCAA Division I athletics, with strong football, basketball, baseball, and track and field teams.

14. Football History: Texas Tech began playing college football in 1925 as Texas Technological College and was known as the Matadors. The name changed to Red Raiders in 1937, and they have a winning record every year from 1996 to 2010.

Notable Alumni and Contributions

Texas Tech alumni have made significant contributions across various fields, from politics to space exploration.

15. Notable Alumni: Alumni include former U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, actor and musician Josh Abbott, astronaut Rick Husband, and professional football player Patrick Mahomes.

16. Astronauts and Space Exploration: Five astronauts, including Rick Husband, the final commander of Space Shuttle Columbia, graduated from Texas Tech.

17. Notable Faculty and Alumni in Business: Alumni like General Motors Chairman and CEO Edward Whitacre Jr. and Finisar CEO Jerry S. Rawls have made significant contributions to the business world.

18. Notable Faculty and Alumni in Media: Scott Pelley, anchor and managing editor for CBS Evening News and correspondent for 60 Minutes, graduated from the College of Media & Communication.

19. Notable Faculty and Alumni in Military: U.S. Marine Corps Major and Medal of Honor recipient George H. O'Brien Jr. and Richard E. Cavazos, the first Hispanic four-star general in the U.S. Army, are distinguished alumni.

20. Notable Faculty and Alumni in Education: Arati Prabhakar, the first woman to head the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Ginger Kerrick, the first Hispanic female NASA Flight Director, highlight the university’s strong programs in science and engineering.

Community and Campus Life

Texas Tech fosters a vibrant community and offers a unique campus experience, blending academic rigor with social activities.

21. Community Service: Texas Tech is deeply involved in community service projects, reflecting its commitment to making a positive impact on society.

22. The Texas Tech Ranch: The university boasts a 28,000-acre ranch, known as the Texas Tech University Center at Junction, providing hands-on learning opportunities in animal science, natural resource management, and wildlife conservation.

23. Homecoming Parade: An estimated crowd of 30,000 watches the homecoming parade with floats representing Tech’s history, showcasing strong community ties.

24. The National Ranching Heritage Center: Located on campus, this center preserves the history and culture of ranching in America, featuring over 50 authentic historical structures.

Diversity and Inclusion

Texas Tech has made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion, ensuring a welcoming environment for all students.

25. First African American Students: In 1961, the first three African American students enrolled at Texas Tech following a lawsuit that mandated the admission of all qualified applicants regardless of color.

26. First African American Athletic Scholarship: In 1967, Danny Hardaway became the first African American student to receive an athletic scholarship.

27. First African American Doctorate: In 1970, Hortense W. Dixon became the first African American to earn a doctorate from Texas Tech.

Expansion and Growth

Texas Tech continues to grow and expand, investing in new facilities and programs to enhance the student experience.

28. Expansion and Growth: In 2007, San Angelo State University joined the Texas Tech system, and in 2021, Midwestern State University also joined, expanding the university's reach.

29. Construction Projects: Since 2000, Texas Tech has spent $548 million on new construction projects and received over $66 million in private donations from alumni and other sources.

30. Enrollment: As of Fall 2021, Texas Tech University has an enrollment of over 40,000 students, with the majority coming from Texas.

Rankings and Recognition

Texas Tech is recognized nationally and globally for its academic excellence and research contributions.

31. Academic Rankings: Texas Tech is ranked among the top universities nationally and globally, with notable rankings from ARWU, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Washington Monthly, and WSJ/College Pulse.

32. Notable Events: The university has hosted several notable events, including a symposium in 1929 featuring prominent speakers like Chase Going Woodhouse, Dr. Otto Struve, and Dr. Henry Steele Commager.

Military History and Contributions

Texas Tech has a rich military history and has contributed significantly to military training and education.

33. Military History: In 1949, Lubbock Air Force Base, once known as the Lubbock Army Flying School, was established, reflecting the university’s involvement in military-related events and programs.

34. Military Department: The Military Department at Texas Tech provided military training to students, preparing them for both academic and military careers.

Fun Stories and Memorable Moments

Texas Tech's history is filled with fun stories and memorable moments that add to its unique charm.

35. The Kissing Situation at Texas Tech: A fun story about “The Kissing Situation at Texas Tech” adds a lighter touch to the university’s history, reflecting its ability to balance academic rigor with social activities.

36. Pajama Episode at Cheri-Casa: Another fun story about “The Pajama Episode at Cheri-Casa” showcases the university’s ability to create memorable experiences for its students.

37. The Rack: A story titled “The Rack” criticized faculty “offenders” and highlighted the university’s efforts to maintain high standards of academic integrity.

Alumni Association and Community Engagement

Texas Tech's Alumni Association plays a vital role in maintaining the university’s spirit and fostering connections among alumni.

38. Alumni Association: Operating more than 120 chapters in cities throughout the United States and the world, the Texas Tech Alumni Association has over 27,000 members.

39. Notable Faculty and Alumni in Politics: Charles Q. Brown Jr., the first African-American to be appointed as chief of staff of the United States Air Force, reflects the university’s influence on the political landscape.

40. Women’s Participation: In the early years, women played a crucial role in various activities, including swimming squads, basketball and volleyball teams, and aspiring young housewomen, reflecting the university’s early commitment to gender equality and inclusivity.

Texas Tech's Legacy

Texas Tech University stands as a beacon of excellence in education, research, and community service. From its humble beginnings in 1923, it has grown into a powerhouse with over 40,000 students and a myriad of academic programs. The Double T logo, Masked Rider, and Goin' Band from Raiderland are just a few symbols of its rich traditions. With notable alumni like Patrick Mahomes and Rex Tillerson, Texas Tech's influence spans various fields. The university's commitment to diversity, innovation, and community service makes it a cherished institution in Texas and beyond. Whether you're drawn to its strong athletic programs, pioneering research, or vibrant campus life, Texas Tech offers a unique and enriching experience. This legacy of excellence and pride continues to inspire students and alumni alike.