Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., is the fifth chancellor of the Texas Tech University System and previously served as the longest-tenured president of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (2010-2019). He also previously served as the president and CEO of the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, an internationally-recognized center of excellence in preventive and sports medicine.

This year, the Texas Tech University System marks its 25th anniversary. There’s perhaps no more fitting way to commemorate two and half decades of growth, partnership and success than by announcing the latest addition to our system. On Sept. 1, Midwestern State University joins the Texas Tech University System as our fifth member institution and our third general-academic university alongside Texas Tech University and Angelo State University.

MSU Texas is an ideal addition to our roster and aligns deeply with our component universities’ goals and values. They have a strong and respected history in higher education in Texas dating back to 1922, and since those early days, they have been committed to offering an affordable, accessible and exceptional educational experience to their students.

But you don’t have to take my word for it. MSU Texas is the only university in Texas to become a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, and they were recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report on its list of “10 Public Schools with the Most Affordable Out-of-State Tuition.” With students hailing from 44 states and 54 countries, MSU Texas has extended its sterling reputation well outside of our state’s borders.

These successes are due, in part, to exemplary leadership. President Suzanne Shipley may be retiring, but I cannot thank her enough for her service as MSU Texas’ 11th president. She has positioned this university for future success and helped pave the way for their addition to the TTU System. We know her interim successor, James Johnston, who serves as the university’s provost and vice president for academic affairs, will continue to lead the university in the right direction during this transitional period.

This partnership development with MSU Texas was a thorough process. We were intentional on wanting a university with a well-established, close-knit community that can partner well with us. We also looked for a university with ambition—and in this, MSU Texas has nearly a century of proof. What began as a municipal junior college housed in a high school building is today a 255-acre campus with undergraduate and graduate offerings, along with a student learning center located in Flower Mound. With its Dalquest Desert Research Station and the Wichita Falls Museum of Art, the university is the pride of Wichita Falls—a place that represents the very best in learning, research and service.

And, of course, who could forget athletics and the pride of the Mustangs? MSU Texas has a proud tradition in intercollegiate athletics with nearly 150 postseason appearances, 57 conference titles and 15 regional championships. In this, they’ll fit right in with our constituent universities who demonstrate excellence on the field and court as well as in the classroom.

A lot of folks helped bring this partnership to fruition, and my appreciation goes to Gov. Greg Abbott, state Sen. Drew Springer, state Rep. James Frank and members of the Texas Legislature for making this union a reality. The vision and dedication to higher education and to our great state by the MSU Texas Board of Regents, led by Chairman Caven Crosnoe, and the TTU System Board of Regents guided this transformational partnership. What was achieved throughout the nearly two years of conversations and discussion, was also greatly endorsed by the stakeholders and alumni of MSU Texas – thank you all for your support.

Part of our mission at the TTU System is to provide leadership and support services to our component universities in the fulfillment of our institutions’ missions. MSU Texas will celebrate its centennial anniversary next year, marking 100 years of educational achievements and contributions to its community, the state of Texas and the world. I am proud the TTU System family will share this occasion with the Mustang family, and that our shared resources, added synergies and shared values will help to extend MSU Texas’ success into their next century.