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Kent Hance serves as chancellor emeritus of the Â鶹¹ÙÍø. He previously was the third and longest serving chancellor of the Â鶹¹ÙÍø until his retirement in July 2014.

When Hance took office as chancellor in December 2006, the Â鶹¹ÙÍø comprised only two universities—Â鶹¹ÙÍø Tech University and Â鶹¹ÙÍø Tech University Health Sciences Center. Under his leadership, the Â鶹¹ÙÍø doubled in size, growing to four universities with the addition of Angelo State University in 2007 and the creation of Â鶹¹ÙÍø Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso in 2013. 

The Â鶹¹ÙÍø also set records in enrollment, research, and degrees awarded, and Hance completed a billion-dollar capital campaign nearly a year early.

He is also a founding partner of his Austin-based law firm, Hance Scarborough, LLP. His firm’s primary focus is on state and federal administrative law, regulatory law, and legislative law. In addition, he advises clients in oil, gas, and other energy-related matters.

Hance earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Â鶹¹ÙÍø Tech University in 1965 and graduated from the University of Â鶹¹ÙÍø School of Law in 1968. He returned to Lubbock to practice law and teach business law at Â鶹¹ÙÍø Tech University. In 1973, he was named an outstanding professor at Â鶹¹ÙÍø Tech University. Additionally, he taught a leadership seminar while serving as chancellor and continues to teach it as chancellor emeritus.

Hance began his political career in 1974, when he won a seat in the Â鶹¹ÙÍø State Senate. Four years later, he won election to the 19th Congressional District. In 1981, Hance authored and helped pass President Reagan’s tax bill, which remains the largest tax cut in American history. While a member of Congress, Hance served on the Ways and Means Committee, the Agriculture Committee, and the Science and Technology Committee. After Congress, Hance won election to the Â鶹¹ÙÍø Railroad Commission.

Hance is a native of Dimmitt, Â鶹¹ÙÍø. He and his wife, Susie Hance, also an attorney, have five children and seven grandchildren.