Celebrating Growth

TTUHSC Hosted Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of New University Center

• By Suzanna Cisneros
• May 30, 2019

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new University Center on May 24, 2019. 

Texas Tech University System Chancellor and TTUHSC President Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., said the University Center will create a more seamless campus experience for students and visitors.

“This expansion presents unprecedented opportunities to extend our traditional strengths,” Mitchell said. “The new and expanded spaces will bind our campus together in ways that encourage interaction and promote collaboration. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, I look forward to all that we will accomplish together an institution in the next 50 years.”

The University Center building will have 60,000 GSF and will house the Office of the President; Office of External Relations; the F. Marie Hall Institute for Rural and Community Health; Office of Student Relations; the Office of Admissions for the School of Medicine,

Nursing, Health Professions and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Alumni Relations; Office of Global Health; the F. Marie Hall Sim Life Center; the Writing Center; administrative offices and a spirit shop. The $26,302,250 million project is located behind the new creation of a TTUHSC seal boulevard entrance to campus.

The University Center is home to the two new public art installations, “Complete Fragment” by James Surls, and “PULSE,” created by artist Adam Frank.

“Complete Fragment” consists of three bronze and stainless-steel sculptures ranging in size from eight to 12 feet and are located outside the north entrance of the new TTUHSC University Center building.

“PULSE” is an 11-foot-tall, 8-foot-wide LED screen which features an accurate simulation of the human circulatory system in the visual style of an MRI in the lobby of the TTUHSC University Center. As people enter the building, the heartbeat quickens. As the number of occupants increases, the faster the beats and the blood flow. As people leave, the heart begins to slow and eventually settles to an average sleeping rate overnight.

“I would like to thank our legislators for their support, as this important project was made possible with tuition revenue bonds,” Mitchell said. “This investment in educational space allows us to provide valuable opportunities to our students.”

The Texas Tech University System Board of Regents Facilities Committee approved the project Oct. 13. Tuition Revenue Bond approved by the 84th Legislature funds cover all construction costs, which will provide an opportunity to leverage donor gifts for a presidential scholarship endowment, one of three funding priorities for the Campaign for Your Life, Our Purpose.