A History of Texas Tech (2024)

Texas Tech University was created by legislative action in 1923 and has the distinction of being the largest comprehensive higher education institution in the western two-thirds of the state of Texas. The university is the major institution of higher education in a region larger than 46 of the nation’s 50 states and is the only campus in Texas that is home to a major university, law school and medical school.

Originally named Texas Technological College, the college opened in 1925 with six buildings and an enrollment of 914. Graduate instruction did not begin until 1927 within the school of Liberal Arts. A “Division of Graduate Studies” was established in 1935 and eventually became known as the Graduate School in 1954.

By action of the Texas State Legislature, Texas Technological College formally became Texas Tech University on September 1, 1969.

Texas Tech Traditions

A History of Texas Tech (2024)

FAQs

What is the history of Texas Tech? ›

Originally named Texas Technological College, the college opened in 1925 with six buildings and an enrollment of 914. Graduate instruction did not begin until 1927 within the school of Liberal Arts. A "Division of Graduate Studies" was established in 1935 and eventually became known as the Graduate School in 1954.

What is a fun fact about Texas Tech? ›

Four. The school actually has two mascots. The Masked Rider is Texas Tech's oldest, and was the first official mounted mascot in the country beginning in 1936. The other mascot is Raider Red, birthed in 1971 when the SWC banned the inclusion of live animal mascots at away games unless the home team consented.

What is Texas Tech mainly known for? ›

The most popular majors at Texas Tech University include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; Engineering; Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences; Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related ...

Why did Texas Tech change its name? ›

Expansion and growth

By the 1960s, the school had expanded its offerings to more than just technical subjects. The Faculty Advisory Committee suggested changing the name to "Texas State University", feeling the phrase "Technological College" did not define the institution's scope.

What famous person went to Texas Tech? ›

Others among the university's alumni are folk rocker John Denver, country singer Pat Green, and actor George Eads. John Hinckley, Jr., who attempted to assassinate U.S. President Ronald Reagan in 1981, attended the university sporadically from 1973 to 1980.

What is the summary of Texas Tech? ›

Committed to teaching and the advancement of knowledge, Texas Tech University, a comprehensive public research university, provides the highest standards of excellence in higher education, fosters intellectual and personal development, and stimulates meaningful research and service to humankind.

Why is Texas Tech special? ›

Texas Tech was created by legislative action in 1923 and has the distinction of being the largest comprehensive higher education institution in the western two-thirds of the state of Texas.

Is Texas Tech 100 years old? ›

February 10, 2023, marks the celebration of 100 years for Texas Tech University.

Why is Texas Tech so popular? ›

Students from across the Lone Star State and beyond come to “affordable” Texas Tech for “the benefits and resources of a large university,” such as a “huge variety of majors and classes” and “a lot of organizations with opportunities for internships and networking.” Students believe the university, as a whole, “truly ...

What are Texas Tech students called? ›

It wasn't until 1936 that Texas Tech fans and students came to be called "Red Raiders." Collier Parrish, sports editor of the Lubbock Morning Avalanche, gave the team its new nickname because of their all-red uniforms and rigorous coast-to-coast schedule.

What is the history behind Texas Tech? ›

Originally named Texas Technological College, the college opened in 1925 with six buildings and an enrollment of 914. Graduate instruction did not begin until 1927 within the school of Liberal Arts. A “Division of Graduate Studies” was established in 1935 and eventually became known as the Graduate School in 1954.

Why is Texas Tech called the Aggies? ›

An Aggie is a student at Texas A&M. In the early 1900s, our students were called "Farmers." The term Aggie — reflecting our agricultural roots — was first used in the 1920s, and in 1949, the yearbook changed its name from The Longhorn to Aggieland. At that point, Aggie became the official student body nickname.

Does Texas Tech have a rivalry? ›

The Texas–Texas Tech football rivalry is an American college football rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

What is the history of Texas College? ›

History. On January 9, 1894, Texas College was founded by a group of ministers affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church, a black denomination. They planned a full, co-educational college to serve people in eastern Texas.

What is the history of Texas Tech mascot? ›

The Masked Rider is the oldest and most popular mascot of Texas Tech University that still exists today. Originally the Masked Rider started as a dare in 1936 and was then called the ghost rider, because no one knew the rider's identity.

Is Texas Tech the biggest school? ›

TTU occupies 1,900 acres making it the second largest contiguous campus in the United States. TTU is the only university in Texas to house an undergraduate and graduate university, law school, and medical school on the same campus.

How many times has Texas Tech won? ›

Texas Tech has won 79 conference championships: 30 Big 12 Conference titles, 27 Southwest Conference (SWC) titles, and 22 Border Conference titles.

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