The 2018 West Texas Presidents High School Tour

Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec and South Plains College President Robin Satterwhite are teaming up on a tour of West Texas to bring awareness and opportunity to local high school students.

Schovanec and Satterwhite will tour several local high schools on the 2018 West Texas Presidents High School Tour where they will connect with students who are beginning to consider college in the future.

The presidents will emphasize the importance of local student enrollment to the viability and sustainability of both Texas Tech and South Plains College.

“This tour is an opportunity to speak to students in West Texas of the value of a college education and make sure they know that recruiting them to Texas Tech is a priority,” Schovanec said. “During these visits, we can inform students that without traveling far from home, they can access a world-class education and a complete college experience that is second to none. ”

The dates and times for the scheduled visits are:

Thursday, Jan. 11:          8 a.m., Roosevelt High School

9:30 a.m.: Idalou High School

11:10 a.m.: Crosbyton High School

Friday, Jan. 26:              8:05 a.m., New Deal High School

9:25 a.m., Abernathy High School

Monday, Jan. 29:           8:30 a.m., Floydada High School

10 a.m., Ralls High School

Wednesday, Jan. 31:      8:25 a.m., Slaton High School

10:15 a.m., Post High School

1 p.m., Tahoka High School

During each visit, both Schovanec and Satterwhite will deliver presentations to the student body on what each school has to offer.

“These events are an opportunity for both institutions to promote our programs and the possibilities higher education can bring to people and their families,” said Ethan Logan, associate vice president for enrollment management at Texas Tech. “Outreach to our local area and region is a function of our public university mission.”

Schovanec visited local high schools for this purpose when he served as interim president during 2012 and 2013 and revived the tours last year, visiting high schools in Lubbock. His overarching message has been to prioritize the pursuit of higher education while also showing what can be gained by enrolling at Texas Tech.

This will be the first year Texas Tech and South Plains College partner in this pursuit, which furthers the effort the two schools have made to join forces in increasing the value of a college education.

“We are seeking to both engage our community constituencies, communities and alumni,” Logan said, “and promote the opportunities of higher education to improve one’s life potential.”