TTU System Launches Chancellor Search

Larry Anders, chairman of the chancellor search committee appointed by the Board of Regents of the Texas Tech University System, announced the official launch of the search for the TTU System’s next chancellor.

In preparation for the search, Anders said, an executive search firm has been hired, a website has been created and advertisements have been placed to assist in the applicant recruitment process.

Kent R. Hance, who has served as chancellor since Dec. 1, 2006, announced in October 2013 that he would retire, leaving the position when a successor is hired. At that time, Hance will become chancellor emeritus.

Anders said the search committee, also consisting of Regents Debbie Montford, Nancy Neal and John Walker, had selected Wheless Partners Executive Search, a national search firm, to assist in the selection of the most outstanding candidate possible for the position.

“The search for our next chancellor is wide open and will be national in scope,” Anders said. “With the help of Wheless Partners, I am confident the search committee will be able to find highly qualified candidates to recommend to the Board of Regents.”

Michael “JR” Wheless, managing partner and president of Texas operations for Wheless Partners Executive Search; Mabry Smith III, president and managing director of Wheless Partners Executive Search; and Michael Ballew, a senior partner with the firm, will assist the chancellor search committee in locating potential candidates.

Anders also announced that interested parties are encouraged to visit the website to learn more about the position and how to apply.

In addition to using the website, those interested in the position or in need of additional information, including a listing of key responsibilities and job requirements, are encouraged to submit a letter and curriculum vitae/résumé by e-mail to Chancellor@WhelessPartners.com. For a confidential conversation, Wheless, Smith or Leslie Allen can be contacted at (678) 364-8585.

Anders said the regents have instructed the committee to identify a limited slate of unranked candidates for the position to be presented to the full board for deliberation.

Texas law allows for the protection of the identity of any applicant for the position of chancellor until the applicant is named a finalist for the position. Texas law also requires that public notice of the name of any finalist for chancellor of a public higher education system be made public at least 21 days before the date on which final action is taken to employ the person.

Anders said that in selecting and announcing a finalist for chancellor, the TTU System will follow its past practice, in which the Board of Regents reviews the recommendations of the search committee and makes a determination of the finalist to be publicly announced.