Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed a Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center medical student and former Masked Rider as the student regent to the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents for the 2026-27 academic year.
Rachel McLelland, who is from Tijeras, New Mexico, is a student at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), where she is pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree at the School of Medicine.
She graduated from Texas Tech University (Texas Tech) in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in anthropology and general studies, with minors in chemistry, biology, and health professions.McLelland becomes the 21st student to serve on the Board of Regents and the eighth student from TTUHSC.
“Rachel has consistently demonstrated academic excellence and the ability to connect with people and lead with purpose, qualities valued at our university and throughout the TTU System,” TTUHSC President Dr. Lori Rice-Spearman said. “We’re proud to have her in this role, and I am confident she will successfully represent the collective voice of students across the TTU System.”
Throughout her academic career, McLelland has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and service at TTUHSC and in the Lubbock community.
Her involvement has included serving as president of the Hands-On Clinical Skills and No One Dies Alone programs, research coordinator for the Orthopaedic Interest Group and a Mentor in Medicine participant, where she has guided undergraduate students through the medical school application process.
Additionally, she has served as a Dean’s Ambassador for the School of Medicine since 2021.
Outside the classroom, she volunteers as a NICU cuddler at a local hospital and provides peripheral artery disease screenings and patient counseling at a free clinic.
Former Masked Rider to serve as new Texas Tech System Student Regent
While at Texas Tech, she also served as the 2015-16 Masked Rider, making 305 public appearances representing the university.
McLelland is currently a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force Reserve. Upon completing medical school and residency, she will serve as an active-duty physician in the United States Air Force.
“Student regents play an important role in ensuring the voices of our students are represented at the highest levels of leadership,” said TTU System Chancellor Brandon Creighton. “Rachel’s experiences across multiple institutions in our system, combined with her dedication to service and student success, make her exceptionally well-suited for this position. We are excited to welcome her to the Board of Regents and look forward to the contributions she will make over the coming year.”
McLelland will serve a one-year term, effective June 1 and expiring on May 31, 2027. Her first Board of Regents meeting will be held Aug. 13-14 at the TTU System Building in Lubbock.
She replaces Eli Heath of Texas Tech, who was appointed in 2025
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Gov. Abbott appoints new Texas Tech System student regent from TTUHSC
Reporting by Special for the Avalanche-Journal / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
