State Sen. Brandon Creighton, the guy who authored bills to ban diversity offices, weaken tenure, and put protest rules on college campuses, is now set to become the new chancellor of the Texas Tech University System. Because who better to oversee higher education than the politician who’s been busy gutting it?
Board Chair Cody Campbell and other local big shots were quick to sing his praises on social media, calling Creighton “the right person for the job” and framing his track record of kneecapping academic freedom as “massive growth and progress.” Even Congressman Jodey Arrington — who was rumored to want the gig himself — sent his congratulations, proving there’s no rivalry that can’t be smoothed over with enough Red Raider spirit. Guns up, everyone.
Creighton’s résumé isn’t exactly what you’d expect for a university leader — law degree from Oklahoma City University, zero West Texas ties, and a legislative record that reads like a “How to Politicize Higher Ed” manual. But in today’s Texas, it’s not about research or academics — it’s about having the political juice to bring home state dollars and make sure universities stay in line with the Capitol.
Faculty, unsurprisingly, aren’t thrilled. The American Association of University Professors raised alarms about the future of academic freedom and shared governance under his leadership. But Tech’s regents seem less concerned with classrooms and more concerned with fundraising, lobbying, and keeping Governor Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick happy.
Forget “Strive for Honor.” At Texas Tech, the new motto might as well be: “Strive for Political Connections.”
https://www.texastribune.org/2025/08/31/texas-tech-university-brandon-creighton-chancellor/
