Governor Perry, Chancellor Hance and Mayor Robertson
Students, regents and politicians rubbed shoulders at the United Spirit Arena Wednesday night as Governor Rick Perry honored outgoing Texas Tech University Chancellor Kent Hance.
Hance has been chancellor since 2006 and has made contributions to Tech such as raising over $1 billion and increasing student enrollment by 45 percent since taking office.
Perry was in Lubbock to honor Hance’s time at Tech and made special remarks about his experiences working with the future chancellor emeritus.
Perry also touted the university and its students. A recent study, he said, showed Tech is one of two Texas schools ranked among the top 20 universities in America for graduating the type of students businesses want to hire.
“The first one – the first emerging technology fund grant in the state – came to Texas Tech,” Perry said.
The Texas Emerging Technology Fund, he said, helps lure start-up businesses to the state and provides them opportunities to succeed.
He said visionary individuals have laid the foundation for success.
“And, people who have come before here have helped build this foundation,” Perry said, “but I will suggest there has been no one, no one in the history of Texas Tech that has had any more profound effect than the man who will forevermore be known as Chancellor Emeritus of the Texas Tech System – our great and good friend, Kent Hance.”
Even though they are not always in agreement – Perry is a graduate of Texas A&M University, while Hance graduated from Texas Tech in 1965 – Chancellor Hance said he and Governor Perry have remained friends for many years, and he said he thinks today’s event was very special.
“All the bragging about me was like having your own funeral and getting to watch, but it 
was fun,” Hance said, “but I will say this: everything I’ve done at Tech is a team game, and I have a great team. I had a great run.”
State Senator Robert Duncan, who’s name has been circulated by media as a possible future chancellor, said Hance’s connections in Austin advanced Texas Tech as much as his passion for the university did.
“He is a great leader, and a lot of fun to work with,” Duncan said. “He has a lot of passion and vision, and knows a lot of people. And that really has helped, especially in the political arena, where you’re trying to advance Texas Tech through appropriations and new programs.”
Former United States President George W. Bush was also among Hance’s supporters wishing him a happy retirement.
“Texas Tech was fortunate to have Kent in a leadership position,” Bush said in a statement contained in the reception program. “He loves the Red Raiders and leaves behind a better university. I wish my friend all the best.”
Lubbock Mayor Glen Robertson and Tech Board of Regents Chairman Larry Anders also spoke during the ceremony.
Photos by Ben Jarvis
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