Ep. 123 - Texas Tech, Higher Education Reform, & the Future of AI w/Chancellor Brandon Creighton

What will higher education look like in an age of artificial intelligence, and how can Texas universities make sure their degrees continue to deliver value?

On this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with Brandon Creighton, Chancellor of the Texas Tech University System and former Texas state senator and representative, to discuss higher education reform, artificial intelligence, and his vision for Texas Tech’s future.

Creighton reflects on his transition from writing higher education policy in the Texas Legislature to implementing it as chancellor, including Texas Tech’s review of roughly 14,000 courses under Senate Bill 37. He discusses curriculum reform, degrees of value, workforce needs, and how universities must adapt as AI rapidly changes both education and the private sector.

The conversation also explores Texas Tech’s work with NVIDIA, its plans for advanced AI computing infrastructure, and the potential applications for healthcare research, energy, national security, and other major challenges facing Texas.

The episode covers:

Senate Bill 37 and higher education reform

Texas Tech’s review of roughly 14,000 courses

Preparing students and universities for AI

Texas Tech’s work with NVIDIA and advanced computing

AI research, healthcare, energy, and national security

Creighton’s priorities heading into the 90th Texas Legislature

Creighton ultimately argues that Texas universities have an opportunity to lead rather than follow as AI transforms education, research, and the economy—summarizing his approach with a simple warning: “You’re either designing the menu or you’re on it.”