Texas Tech University Executive and Leadership Team

Noel Sloan, the Vice President, Administration & Chief Financial Officer, Finance at Texas Tech University, directs the institution's comprehensive financial strategy and administrative operations. Sloan oversees all fiscal activities, including budgeting, financial planning, accounting, and investment management, ensuring the university's financial health and sustainability. This critical role involves managing financial resources to support academic programs, research endeavors, and campus development initiatives. By implementing sound financial policies and controls, Noel Sloan safeguards the university's assets and optimizes resource allocation. The Vice President, Administration & Chief Financial Officer's purview extends to overseeing administrative functions that support the university's operational efficiency and strategic growth. Sloan's leadership ensures fiscal responsibility and drives financial strategies that empower the university's mission.

Elizabeth Green, the Chief Operating Officer at Texas Tech University, directs the institution's operational framework, ensuring efficient resource allocation and the seamless execution of administrative functions. Overseeing departments critical to daily campus life, Green manages facilities, auxiliary services, and operational logistics, directly supporting the university's academic and research missions. This leadership role involves optimizing processes to enhance student and faculty experiences, driving operational excellence across all university divisions. By focusing on strategic implementation of campus-wide initiatives, Elizabeth Green ensures that the university's infrastructure effectively supports its educational objectives and growth. The Chief Operating Officer's purview extends to managing budgets for operational units, guaranteeing fiscal responsibility and the sustainable delivery of essential services that underpin the university's educational and research endeavors.

Erin Engelhardt, the Staff Senate President-Elect (2025-2026) at Texas Tech University, prepares to lead staff advocacy and representation efforts. Engelhardt will champion the interests of university staff, fostering communication and collaboration between employees and institutional leadership. This upcoming role involves understanding and addressing staff concerns, contributing to policy discussions, and promoting a positive work environment. By focusing on staff welfare and professional development, Erin Engelhardt aims to enhance the overall employee experience at the university. The Staff Senate President-Elect's responsibilities will include organizing senate activities, representing staff perspectives in governance, and working to ensure that staff voices are integral to university decision-making processes. Engelhardt's tenure will focus on strengthening the staff community.

Carissa Berry, the Raiders Helping Others President at Texas Tech University, leads a student organization dedicated to community service and philanthropic initiatives. Berry directs the planning and execution of outreach programs, mobilizing student volunteers to support various causes and community needs. This leadership role involves fostering a spirit of service among students and enhancing the university's engagement with the wider community. By organizing impactful events and partnerships, Carissa Berry strengthens the university's commitment to social responsibility. The Raiders Helping Others President's responsibilities include managing the organization's operations, coordinating volunteer efforts, and promoting a culture of giving back. Berry's leadership ensures that student-led initiatives make a tangible positive difference.

Brittany Curtis, the Staff Senate President-Elect (2025-2026) at Texas Tech University, prepares to assume leadership in representing university staff. Curtis will focus on advocating for staff needs, facilitating dialogue with administration, and contributing to the enhancement of the campus work environment. This preparatory role involves understanding the dynamics of staff governance and planning initiatives to support staff development and well-being. By engaging with current senate leadership, Brittany Curtis gains insights to effectively guide future staff representation. The Staff Senate President-Elect's responsibilities will include collaborating on policy recommendations, promoting staff engagement, and ensuring that the perspectives of university employees are considered in institutional planning. Curtis is poised to drive positive change for staff.

DeMarcus Thomas, the President at Texas Tech University, provides ultimate executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Thomas oversees all academic, research, and administrative functions, ensuring the university upholds its mission of excellence and innovation. This paramount role involves setting the institutional vision, fostering a culture of academic rigor and discovery, and representing the university to external stakeholders. By guiding strategic planning and resource allocation, DeMarcus Thomas drives the university's growth and impact. The President's responsibilities encompass leading the senior executive team, engaging with the Board of Regents, and championing the university's interests at local, state, and national levels. Thomas's leadership ensures Texas Tech University's continued advancement and prominence in higher education.

Ryan Cavazos, the Chief of Staff at Texas Tech University, serves as a key advisor and strategic partner to senior leadership, facilitating the effective implementation of institutional priorities. Cavazos manages critical projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment across various university departments and stakeholders. This role involves coordinating communication, streamlining decision-making processes, and enhancing the overall efficiency of executive operations. By acting as a central point of contact for strategic planning and execution, Ryan Cavazos supports the university's mission of academic and research advancement. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include preparing reports, analyzing data to inform strategic decisions, and ensuring that leadership directives are translated into actionable plans across the institution. Cavazos drives forward key institutional objectives, fostering collaboration and operational synergy.

Brenda Connor, the Chief Technology Officer & Critical Infrastructure Security Institute & of Practice Professor at Texas Tech University, architects the institution's technological vision and oversees its digital infrastructure. Connor directs the strategic deployment of advanced technologies, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures and the integrity of critical infrastructure systems. This leadership position involves guiding innovation in educational technology, research computing, and administrative systems to support the university's core functions. By championing digital transformation, Brenda Connor enhances the learning environment and research capabilities for students and faculty alike. The Chief Technology Officer's mandate includes managing IT operations, developing long-term technology roadmaps, and ensuring that technological advancements align with the university's strategic goals and security protocols. Connor's expertise also extends to academic instruction within the Critical Infrastructure Security Institute.

Cole Johnson, the Executive Chief of Staff at Texas Tech University, provides high-level strategic support and operational management for key university initiatives. Johnson coordinates complex projects, facilitates interdepartmental collaboration, and ensures the efficient execution of executive directives across the institution. This role demands a comprehensive understanding of university operations to drive forward strategic objectives and enhance administrative effectiveness. By managing critical workflows and stakeholder communications, Cole Johnson supports the university's commitment to academic excellence and research innovation. The Executive Chief of Staff's responsibilities include advising leadership on policy matters, overseeing special assignments, and ensuring that the university operates with maximum efficiency and strategic focus. Johnson's leadership ensures that institutional goals are met through meticulous planning and execution.

Grace Hernandez, the Chief of Staff & Associate & Vice President, Administration at Texas Tech University, provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for key administrative functions. Hernandez manages critical projects, enhances administrative processes, and supports the implementation of institutional priorities across various departments. This dual role involves ensuring seamless coordination between executive leadership and administrative units, thereby optimizing university operations. By focusing on efficiency and effectiveness, Grace Hernandez contributes to the university's mission of academic and research excellence. The Chief of Staff & Associate & Vice President, Administration's responsibilities include advising on policy development, managing stakeholder relations, and driving initiatives that improve the overall administrative landscape of the university. Hernandez ensures that administrative support robustly underpins educational and research activities.