Reaching Toward Tier One Status

Achieving Tier One status will benefit the university in many ways, including increasing the value of every Texas Tech degree.

By Jean Ann Cantore

Texas Tech University President Guy Bailey presented his 10-year business plan, designed to assist Texas Tech University in achieving a research profile equivalent to that of members of the Association of American Universities, at the Texas Tech Alumni Association National Board of Directors summer meeting.

“When the criteria required to achieve national research university funding were announced in the state of Texas, some said it would take us eight years to qualify. Two years following that announcement, Texas Tech University stands at the doorstep of acceptance, having met the criteria necessary for inclusion,” said Bailey.

Texas Tech not only met the necessary criteria for the state's National Research University Fund (NRUF), Bailey indicated that a check was expected in June for our share of money.

Although he acknowledged the collective effort of students, faculty, staff and administration in making great progress, he cautioned that reaching the ultimate goal requires serious effort and investment.

During the next 10 to 15 years, Texas Tech University must hire more faculty and staff members to accommodate the growing student body. More research, office, studio, laboratory and teaching space will be needed, as well as more equipment.

He noted that achieving this status will benefit the university in many ways, including increasing the value of every Texas Tech degree

Read the full story of our journey to Tier One status in the September/October issue of Texas Techsan magazine.

Update: On July 6, it was announced that President Bailey was the sole finalist for the position of president of the University of Alabama, his alma mater. TTAA is proud of all that Dr. Bailey has accomplished at Texas Tech, and whether he stays or goes, the foundation he has laid for our trek toward Tier One status is outstanding.