Former Texas Tech Graduate Sworn in as N.Y. State Senator

By Summer Chandler

Terry Gipson, a 1987 Texas Tech graduate, was ceremonially sworn into office in front of a crowd of nearly 600 in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Saturday, Jan. 9. Gipson, of Tyler, is the first Democrat to hold the 41st District seat in the New York State Senate since former President Franklin Roosevelt held it more than 100 years ago.

Gipson and his wife Michelle reside in Rhinebeck, N.Y., however, Gipson noted that his Texas roots have stayed with him.

“The things I learned at Texas Tech continue to influence my life and will guide me as a state senator,” said Gipson, who earned a bachelors in theatre arts from the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Gipson, a small business owner, will serve a two-year term and his legislative goals include campaign finance reform, renewable energy policies, improvements to the education system, as well as addressing regional issues surrounding Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses.