Texas Tech University

Texas Tech President to Conduct Fifth Tour of West Texas High Schools

George Watson

April 30, 2019

schovanec

Schovanec will present area students with options for continuing their education close to home.

Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec will once again hit the road to tour West Texas high schools, bringing awareness of higher education opportunities to local students.

Schovanec will tour three high schools on Thursday (May 2) where he will connect with students who are beginning to consider college. Schovanec will highlight the opportunities that await graduating high school students.

"These visits give us the opportunity to meet students, teachers and staff at area schools and make sure they are aware of options available to them at Texas Tech," Schovanec said. "National trends show rural students are one of the least represented groups on college campuses. We want students in our local communities to be aware of the benefits of a college education and to know that the characteristics they possess have a positive impact on Texas Tech."

The times for the scheduled visits are:

  • 9 a.m.: Tulia High School

  • 10:15 a.m.: Dimmitt High School

  • 11a.m.: Hereford High School

During each visit, Schovanec will deliver a presentation to the student body on the benefits of higher education, what Texas Tech has to offer prospective enrollees and emphasizing the positive effects derived from having local students stay close to home to pursue their college education.

"The president's tour of our West Texas communities is an important part of our recruitment outreach and community engagement," said Ethan Logan, associate vice president for enrollment management. "The West Texas and High Plains communities are the historical foundation of our institution. As our institution continues to grow and evolve, it is important that we always include our neighbors in the Texas Tech story. Our next chapters involve the people of West Texas, and we want them to know that they are always welcome at our institution."

This marks the fifth tour of West Texas high schools undertaken by Schovanec for this purpose. He conducted a tour of area high schools in 2018 and visited Lubbock schools in 2017, and also made two tours when he served as interim president during 2012 and 2013. His overarching message has been to prioritize the pursuit of higher education while also showing what can be gained by enrolling at Texas Tech.

Media wishing to attend one of the visits should obtain permission from the individual high school:

  • Tulia: Tim Glover, superintendent, Tulia ISD, (806) 995-4591 or tglover@tuliaisd.org

  • Dimmitt: Jill Millican, assistant superintendent, Dimmitt ISD, (806) 647-3101 or jimillican@dimmittisd.net

  • Hereford: Sheri Blankenship, superintendent, Hereford ISD, (806) 363-7600 or sheriblankenship@herefordisd.net