There are just a few days before graduating Red Raiders cross the stage and shake Texas Tech University President Dr. Lawrence Schovanec’s hand, but he said he’s already looking ahead. 

“There are so many positive things happening here, but at the same time, we have to keep our nose to the grindstone about recruiting students. We are in the midst of planning for a our fall class,” Dr. Schovanec said. “What you see in Texas is a lot of competition for the high school population.”

This past year, around 37,000 students were enrolled, and Dr. Schovanec said they expect their class sizes to continue to grow about 2% each year for the next few years. When they reach 40,000 they will “reevaluate the ultimate capacity.” 

Growth seemed to the Dr. Schovanec’s focus, as he touched on the promising commitment to the Vet School of up to $69 million from the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation. 

“That was a real statemenet of support by that community, and it created a lot of momentum moving forward,” Schovanec said, adding the Board of Regents would be discussing this at their next meeting. 

On the main campus, the university leadership has turned to the issue of deciding the fate of the Coliseum and Auditorium, after the voters handed the facilities back to Texas Tech. 

“Eventually it will be demolished,” Dr. Schovanec said. “Among the things we have discussed is possibly a dormitory… with a large presence of student athletes.”

He described the NCAA rule prohibiting more than 50% of student athletes from living in one dormitory, but said the location of the buildings lends itself to an athletic focus. They’ve even discussed moving the Drive of Champions forward, to be able to expand the baseball facilities. 

“I think we all agree those two buildings aren’t the prettiest in Lubbock. This is going to add to the overall aesthetic appeal to the campus, as well as having a real functional purpose, that is, more student housing and complimenting athletics.” 

Dr. Schovanec said, it will not be demolished right away, as they still have commitments and events inside the space.

“We are committed to one more year for the ABC Rodeo and some other obligations,” he said. “We want to make sure we try to be the best possible partners with the city.” 
 
Plus, he estimated the demolition could cost $4 million, but they are in the process of doing a more detailed analysis of the cost. He added, they will need to fundraise to build a new facility in it’s place.

“This is not going to happen overnight, but I think you’ll see some pretty big changes over the next two to three years.” 

In addition to growth here in Texas, Dr. Schovanec said they are growing world-wide. He just arrived back in Lubbock from visiting Costa Rica for the ribbon cutting of the new campus there, saying they are proud of their partners in this new venture.  

“I don’t think we could find a better location and a better country in which to start an initiative like this,” he said. “When our students become familiar with what’s available there, you see more and more going down.”