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OP-ED
8 Sept. 15, 2021 Campus Voices | Reviews | News | Collegiate Health | Op-Ed | Board of Regents | Stang Stories WELCOMING MSU TEXAS TO THE TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
MSU students and faculty celebrate the university joining with the TTU system, Sept 1.
Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., is the fifth chancellor of the Texas Tech University System and previously served as the longest-tenured president of Texas Tech UniTedd L. versity Health Sciences Mitchell Center (2010-2019). He also previously served as the president and CEO of the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, an internationally-recognized center of excellence in preventive and sports medicine.
This year, the Texas Tech University System marks its 25th anniversary. There’s perhaps no more fitting way to commemorate two and half decades of growth, partnership and success than by announcing the latest addition to our system. On Sept. 1, Midwestern State University joins the Texas Tech University System as our fifth member institution and our third generalacademic university alongside Texas Tech University and Angelo State University.
MSU Texas is an ideal addition to our roster and aligns deeply with our component universities’ goals and values. They have a strong and respected history in higher education in Texas dating back to 1922, and since those early days, they have been committed to offering an affordable, accessible and exceptional educational experience to their students.
But you don’t have to take my word for it. MSU Texas is the only university in Texas to become a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, and they were recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report on its list of “10 Public Schools with the Most Affordable Out-ofState Tuition.” With students hailing from 44 states and 54 countries, MSU Texas has extended its sterling reputation well outside of our state’s borders.
These successes are due, in part, to exemplary leadership. President Suzanne Shipley may be retiring, but I cannot thank her enough for her service as MSU Texas’ 11th president. She has positioned this university for future success and helped pave the way for their addition to the TTU System. We know her interim successor, James Johnston, who serves as the university’s provost and vice president for academic affairs, will continue to lead the university in the right direction during this transitional period.
This partnership development with MSU Texas was a thorough process. We were intentional on wanting a university with a well-established, close-knit community that can partner well with us. We also looked for a university with ambition—and in this, MSU Texas has nearly a century of proof. What began as a municipal junior college housed in a high school building is today a 255-acre campus with undergraduate and graduate offerings, along with a student learning center located in Flower Mound. With its Dalquest Desert Research Station and the Wichita Falls Museum of Art, the university is the pride of Wichita Falls—a place that represents the very best in learning, research and service.
And, of course, who could forget athletics and the pride of the Mustangs? MSU Texas has a proud tradition in intercollegiate athletics with nearly 150 postseason appearances, 57 conference titles and 15 regional championships. In this, they’ll fit right in with our constituent universities who demonstrate excellence on the field and court as well as in the classroom.
A lot of folks helped bring this partnership to fruition, and my appreciation goes to Gov. Greg Abbott, state Sen. Drew Springer, state Rep. James Frank and members of the Texas Legislature for making this union a reality. The vision and dedication to higher education and to our great state by the MSU Texas Board of Regents, led by Chairman Caven Crosnoe, and the TTU System Board of Regents guided this transformational partnership. What was achieved throughout the nearly two years of conversations and discussion, was also greatly endorsed by the stakeholders and alumni of MSU Texas – thank you all for your support.
Part of our mission at the TTU System is to provide leadership and support services to our component universities in the fulfillment of our institutions’ missions. MSU Texas will celebrate its centennial anniversary next year, marking 100 years of educational achievements and contributions to its community, the state of Texas and the world. I am proud the TTU System family will share this occasion with the Mustang family, and that our shared resources, added synergies and shared values will help to extend MSU Texas’ success into their next century.
PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN
9 BOARD OF REGENTS MEETING BRINGS BIG CHANGES TO THE UNIVERSITY
EMILY BEAMAN NEWS EDITOR
On Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021, the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents met on Midwestern State University’s campus to hold a ceremonial special meeting to officially welcome MSU as the newest member institution of their system.
“I think Midwestern State University has the perfect campus culture to fit in with this rest of the universities in our great system,” Jesse Mendez, MSU Texas alumnus and current TTU dean of the College of Education, said.
Texas House Bill 1522, which was authored by Rep. James Frank and sponsored by Sen. Drew Springer, is the legislation that transferred MSU into the TTU System. While it was signed in May, it didn’t officially go into effect until Sept. 1.
“The Texas Tech University System is extremely excited and proud to partner with MSU Texas... as we become stronger together, advancing higher education in our great state and beyond,” J. Michael Lewis, chairman of the TTU System Board of Regents, said.
INTERIM PRESIDENT
During the meeting, former President Suzanne Shipley spoke her final words before departing from campus. As a Texas Tech graduate and a guiding force of this merger, this process marks the magnum opus of her leadership.
“As you can imagine it’s a bittersweet day for all of us who have to say goodbye to the old ways and welcome in the new.... This is the proudest moment of my personal and professional life... as my past joins my present,” Shipley said.
Following her speech, the process to delegate authority of MSU President began. Tedd Mitchell, TTU System chancellor, nominated James Johnston, MSU provost and vice president for academic affairs, as interim president until the position can be permanently filled.
“Shipley’s departure... leaves Midwestern State University in need of strong leadership. We have that leadership,” Mitchell said.
Johnston received his bachelors
Harding Building, MSU Texas, July 2020. and masters degrees from MSU. His employment with the university began in 2012 as interim dean of McGunn Health Sciences and Human Services. He became the permanent dean in February 2013 until his appointment as provost in 2017 and then was officially appointed as vice president of academic affairs in April 2017.
“[He] has been instrumental in a lot of the work that has been done to make this day possible,” Mitchell said.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
The MSU faculty put together a video to present to the TTU Board of Regents to capture the spirit of the university.
“As Mustangs with free spirits, each with our own character and style, we run together and work together as a team, representing strength, individuality and unity,” the video said.
MSU also put together various presentations to show the TTU Board of Regents the foundations and subsequent achievements of the university. Different faculty and staff members spoke to introduce MSU’s campus, departments and students.
“We launched our ambitious MSU Texas Boundless Opportunities comprehensive campaign in 2016 with the goal to raise $50 Million in the years leading up to our centennial celebration in 2022. The centerpiece for our campaign is simple: students,” the video said.
The goal was met only 29 months into the campaign, and in 2017 and 2018 MSU broke the institutional record for gifts and pledges received in a fiscal year at $32.8 million. Cur-
PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN
rently, MSU has collected over $75 million, with a year to go before the conclusion of the campaign.
“It is the generous spirit of our MSU Texas community that is evident in the gifts received today. Gifts include funding for scholarships, academic programming, faculty development support, technology and specialized software,” the video continued.
MSU is hopeful that the new placement within the TTU System will allow for new opportunities for students to grow and flourish.
“Most importantly, we are proud of our graduates because we know they go out and change the world,” Reagan Foster, assistant director of Athletics for Student Development and Outreach, said.
