Texas Tech University
A new era of excellence is dawning at Texas Tech University as it stands on the cusp of being one of the nation's premier research institutions.
Research and enrollment numbers are at record levels, which cement Texas Tech's commitment to attracting and retaining quality students. In fall 2020, the university achieved a goal more than a decade in the making, reaching a total student population of more than 40,000. In 2018, the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education again placed Texas Tech among its top doctoral universities in the nation in the “Very High Research Activity” category. Texas Tech is one of 94 public institutions nationally and 131 overall to achieve this prestigious recognition.
Quality students need top-notch faculty. Texas Tech is home to a diverse, highly revered
pool of educators who excel in teaching, research and service. The university strives
to foster an environment that celebrates student accomplishment above all else. Texas Tech is large enough to provide the best in facilities and academics but prides
itself on being able to focus on each student individually.
The momentum for excellence at Texas Tech has never been greater.
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Raider Red
Raider Red is Texas Tech's costumed, public relations mascot. Before the 1971 football season, the Southwest Conference passed a rule which restricted the bringing of live animal mascots to out of town games. Thus, the Masked Rider, Tech's official mascot, would not be able to travel representing the university. Jim Gaspard, a member of the male spirit organization, Saddle Tramps, created the Raider Red character from drawings from Dirk West to represent Tech at away football games.
Raider Red shakes hands with the crowds at athletic events and poses for pictures. He attends football games, men's and women's basketball games, women's volleyball, as well as men's baseball. You can also find Raider Red making appearances at women's tennis matches, softball games, and around the Lubbock community.
Prior to 2005, only members of the Saddle Tramps were able to serve as Raider Red. In 2005, the Center for Campus Life formed a partnership with the Saddle Tramps and extended the offer to the High Riders, a female spirit organization. Center for Campus Life and these two spirit organizations combine efforts in maintaining Raider Red. The students' identity who serves as Raider Red is kept secret from the Tech community and public. Students serving as Raider Red must be a part of one of these organizations to be eligible to tryout. Tryouts are held each spring.
TwitterOffice of the President
The Office of the President is committed to enhancing Texas Tech University's presence as a top tier national
public research university through efforts that promote even greater levels of student
success, academic quality and reputation, research and creative activities, and outreach
dimensions.
For information about future events, please visit President's Events.