Statement from the Texas Tech University System
October 7, 2020
Texas Tech University System Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., has tested positive for the coronavirus. Chancellor Mitchell was made aware of his positive test result Wednesday (Oct. 7) afternoon, after taking a test earlier in the day administered by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center personnel.
Chancellor Mitchell is experiencing mild symptoms and is currently isolated and working from home. The TTU System Administration and Chancellor Mitchell are following CDC guidelines and health and safety precautionary measures while working closely with city health officials on contact tracing protocols.
“As a physician and advocate of public health, I cannot stress how important it is that we take this virus seriously,” Chancellor Mitchell said. “Please remember to wear a face covering, remain socially distant and stay diligent with your hand hygiene. I will keep you updated throughout this period, and I thank everyone for their well wishes.”
About the Texas Tech University System
Established in 1996 and headquartered in Lubbock, Texas, the Texas Tech University System is a $2 billion higher education enterprise focused on advancing higher education,
health care, research and community outreach. Consisting of four universities – Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Angelo State University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso – the TTU System collectively has approximately 55,000 students, 17 campuses statewide
and internationally, more than 300,000 alumni and an endowment valued at over $1.3
billion.
During the 86th Texas Legislature under the leadership of Chancellor Dr. Tedd L. Mitchell, legislative funding and authority was provided to establish a new Texas Tech University veterinary school in Amarillo and a new dental school at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso. This will be the state’s first veterinary school in more than a century and first dental school in over 50 years. The addition of these two schools makes the TTU System one of only nine in the nation to offer programs for undergraduate, medical, law, nursing, pharmacy, dental and veterinary education, among other academic areas.