Texas Tech Graduate School Dean Stepping Down

Officials at Texas Tech University have announced that Fred Hartmeister, dean of Texas Tech University’s Graduate School, is stepping down from his position. Hartmeister’s resignation is effective Aug. 31. Following a leave of absence for professional development during the fall semester in 2010, he will return Jan. 1, 2011, to his former position as a professor of education and law in the College of Education. “It has been my distinct privilege to work with an outstanding and dedicated Graduate School staff that is second to none,” Hartmeister said. “I have appreciated working collaboratively with other deans at Texas Tech and outstanding professors, researchers and staff members. Particularly noteworthy has been the opportunity to get to know phenomenal graduate students from across Texas, the nation and around the globe as they complete their studies in one of the more than 185 graduate degree and certification programs offered at Texas Tech. “I am pleased to have had a role in helping Texas Tech’s graduate enrollment grow by nearly 800 students in the past three years while, at the same time, maintaining high standards of academic excellence and integrity.” Provost Bob Smith said he is proud of the work that Hartmeister accomplished since becoming Graduate School dean in August 2007. “The record shows that Dr. Hartmeister has given three years of dedicated and unselfish service to the Graduate School and the university during his years as dean,” Smith said. “On behalf of Texas Tech, I wish to express our gratitude for his efforts to assist the university during a time of unprecedented growth and development. As Dr. Hartmeister transitions to a new role, we wish him every measure of success in his pursuit of integrated teaching, research and service contributions to our students and our institution’s continuing movement toward Tier One status.” Hartmeister earned a master’s degree in business administration in 1979 from the University of Denver. He received a doctorate in educational administration in 1986 and a law degree in 1990 from the University of Wyoming. He came to Texas Tech as an assistant professor in 1993 with the primary goal of teaching aspiring school principals and superintendents while engaging in related lines of research. Throughout his career, he has published more than 300 books, book chapters, refereed journal articles, monthly columns, commentaries and other scholarly articles. In October 1999, he received a $300,000 Sid W. Richardson Foundation grant to support “Establishing a Preparation Model for the 21st Century Texas School Superintendent.” He earned the Texas Tech President’s Academic Achievement Award in 2007. Before the search for a new dean begins, Smith said he will discuss with members of the graduate school the plans for naming an interim dean. CONTACT: Fred Hartmeister, dean, Graduate School, Texas Tech University, (806) 742-2781, fred.hartmeister@ttu.edu; Bob Smith, provost, Texas Tech University, (806) 742-2184, or bob.smith@ttu.edu