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:
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.”
00:00 — Introduction
00:23 — Brandon Creighton’s move from the Legislature to Texas Tech
02:39 — Creighton’s background and interest in education
04:30 — What is Senate Bill 37?
07:37 — From writing SB 37 to implementing it
09:34 — Reviewing 14,000 Texas Tech courses
12:15 — Curriculum reform and degrees of value
14:06 — Texas Tech’s approach to higher education reform
16:18 — What could come next for SB 37?
17:30 — Preparing Texas Tech for the AI era
21:00 — Students, AI, and academic integrity
25:08 — Texas Tech’s NVIDIA partnership
29:09 — Sovereign data independence and national security
32:08 — Priorities for the 90th Texas Legislature
33:41 — Closing thoughts